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LAHORE, Nov 15 (APP): Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that improving the health sector remains the top priority of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. He expressed these views while addressing the 23rd convocation of Allama Iqbal Medical College (AIMC) as the guest of honour on Friday.
Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmed Khan attended the ceremony as the special guest.
Congratulating the newly graduated doctors and their parents, Khawaja Salman Rafique said that Allama Iqbal Medical College is regarded as one of Pakistan’s premier medical institutions, known for its excellent educational environment. “Today, we celebrate not only the success of our fresh graduates but also the college’s strong traditions and its spirit of serving humanity,” he said. He added that the convocation marked an important milestone for every graduate as they embark on their professional careers.
Highlighting the government’s initiatives, the minister said that historic steps have been taken in the health sector, including the Chief Minister’s Children’s Heart Surgery Program, Kidney and Liver Transplant Program, Dialysis Program, Clinic on Wheels and Field Hospital projects. He added that the Punjab government is establishing the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research, the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology in Lahore, and new children’s hospitals in Bahawalpur and Rawalpindi. The Sahiwal Institute of Cardiology has also been opened to the public, he noted.
Khawaja Salman Rafique said the government is hiring thousands of medical officers, women medical officers, fellows, consultants, nurses and paramedical staff for newly established hospitals. “Providing quality healthcare at people’s doorsteps is the top priority of the Punjab government,” he said, expressing confidence that the graduates would serve as ambassadors of AIMC.
Chairman Board of Management Dr Gohar Ijaz congratulated the graduates, calling the day their first major step into professional life.
Principal AIMC Prof Tayyba Waseem thanked the distinguished guests, including the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, the Health Minister and Dr Gohar Ijaz, for their presence. She said the college continues to offer an excellent academic environment to its students.
The administration also presented a report highlighting AIMC’s outstanding achievements. Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan and other guests addressed the graduates as well.
Later, special guests awarded gold and silver medals and MBBS degrees to the top-performing students.
The event was attended by Additional Secretary Technical (SH&ME) Dr Zahid Pervaiz, Dr Muhammad Waseem, CEO Punjab Health Initiative Management Company Dr Ali Razaq, Prof Mah Jabeen Munira, Prof Ashraf Zia, MS Jinnah Hospital Syed Mohsin Ali Shah, Majeed Faisal, Prof Nadeem Hafeez Butt, Prof Shamsa Humayun, Prof Arif Siddiqui, faculty members, fresh graduates and a large number of parents.