LAHORE, Nov 10 (APP):Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday urged graduating doctors to uphold professional ethics, compassion and integrity while embracing modern medical technologies to improve healthcare services in the country. Addressing the 59th Convocation Ceremony of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) in Lahore, he congratulated the graduating doctors, their parents, families, and teachers, acknowledging their years of dedication, sacrifices, …
Ahsan Iqbal urges doctors to put humanity before profession
LAHORE, Nov 10 (APP):Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday urged graduating doctors to uphold professional ethics, compassion and integrity while embracing modern medical technologies to improve healthcare services in the country.
Addressing the 59th Convocation Ceremony of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) in Lahore, he congratulated the graduating doctors, their parents, families, and teachers, acknowledging their years of dedication, sacrifices, and hard work in achieving the professional milestone.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal stressed that a medical degree is not merely an academic qualification, but a profound and solemn responsibility to serve humanity with honesty, empathy, and unwavering professional commitment.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished local and international guests, including CPSP President Professor Muhammad Shoaib Shafi, members of the CPSP Council, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh Professor Mark Strachan, and President of the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons Council Professor Moudud Hossain Alamgir.
Emphasizing the sacred nature of the profession, Ahsan Iqbal noted that doctors carry an enormous responsibility because patients approach them in moments of deep vulnerability and distress. A doctor’s fair judgment, compassionate attitude, and professional integrity can make a life-changing difference, he added, stressing that character and empathy are what ultimately earn a patient’s trust.
He urged physicians to listen attentively to their patients particularly those enduring financial hardships ensuring that every individual is treated with the utmost dignity and respect.
Drawing upon Islamic teachings, the Federal Minister reminded the audience that whoever saves one life, it is as if they have saved all of mankind. He emphasized that this eternal principle underscores the absolute necessity of practicing compassion, honesty, and trustworthiness (Amanah) in public service.
He cited the exemplary lives of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Prophet Ibrahim (AS) as enduring guiding lights.
Highlighting rapid global shifts, Ahsan Iqbal pointed out that the healthcare sector is undergoing unprecedented transformation driven by breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI), genomics, cell and gene therapies, robotic surgery, digital pathology, and telemedicine. He urged young doctors to remain lifelong learners, cultivate curiosity, study new research regularly, and collaborate closely with engineers and computer scientists to stay ahead of evolving practices.
Recalling a significant historical account, he shared the story of two Persian doctors who diagnosed Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah R.A with a fatal lung disease in 1946. By keeping the diagnosis strictly confidential to protect his historic mission, they demonstrated a profound commitment to professional ethics and patient confidentiality.
Reflecting on national history, Ahsan Iqbal drew parallels between the selfless sacrifices of the 1947 generation who fought to establish Pakistan without seeking personal gain and the vital responsibilities resting on the current generation as the nation approaches its centenary in 2047.
Addressing modern challenges such as fake news and growing social polarization, he called on professionals to maintain public trust, foster positive thinking, and focus on areas where they can drive meaningful change. Finally, he encouraged the new graduates to contribute actively to national development by combining professional excellence with a deep commitment to public service.
