960424

Azfar allows KMDC

to have SHC judge

as governing body head

KARACHI: Sindh Governor, Kamal Azfar, on Wednesday allowed the Karachi Medical and Dental College (KMDC) to have a Judge of Sindh High Court to head the Governing Body of the college.

He gave the clearance in this regard while inaugurating the 8th 2-day Annual Symposium of KMDC at a local hotel on Wednesday morning.

Dr Aijaz Vohra, Principal KMDC had proposed to the Governor that KMDC should be made an autonomous institution and also allowed to have a sitting or retired judge of the High Court or Supreme Court to head the Governing Body of the College in the wake of implications of Sindh Local Government Ordinance Bill.

The governor pointed out that medical education and health care were two sides of the same coin. The only way to ensure good and effective health care was by imparting good medical education to our under-graduates and post-graduates and establishing the infrastructure to support the needs and requirements of this rapidly growing field.

He assured Dr Aijaz Vohra that as agent of the Federal Government he would take up the matter of provision of Rs 120 million by Federal Government as committed by ECNEC for the construction of new campus building of Karachi Medical and Dental College.

He noted with satisfaction that the academic council and the governing body of the KMDC was trying to work under strict compliance of rules and regulations laid down by Pakistan Medical and Dental Council which is the apex body of the country for medical education and health care.

He assured the observance of rules and regulations will pave the way for making of a great Institution but will also give authenticity to work done, positions achieved and the status gained.

Referring to rising quantum of grant for KMDC from Rs 20 to Rs 65 million, the Governor told the Administrator KMC Fahim Zaman Khan that this amount comes to only one percent of the entire KMC's budget and it would be well worth if by spending this one percent the city gets an institute of pride.

Expressing his pride in the students of Karachi, the Azfar recalled his visit to IBM where, he said, he was told that students of Karachi are compatible with the students of Germany who are considered hard working and talented.

On the occasion the governor announced a donation of 10 airconditioners for the College and said these will be delivered before the day end.

The Governor also praised the role of Administrator KMC and Chairman KMDC's Governing Body,, Fahim Zaman Khan, towards the promotion of this college.

Earlier in his speech Fahim Zaman Khan said this symposium was landmark in the establishment of KMDC which has yet to be achieved by another Municipal Corporation of Pakistan. He said the first batch of KMDC graduates will pass out next year. He said previously this institution had a political colour but after he took over, the KMDC's Governing Body w as reorganised with the induction of professionals and the people having no political affiliation.

He said that despite an increase in the liabilities of KMDC from Rs 20 million to Rs 37 million and Rs 65 million in coming future, the KMC would try its best to meet its needs and requirements.

In his speech on the occasion Dr Aijaz Vohra, Principal KMDC said the college will produce medical graduates worth its traditions.

He demanded release of Rs 120 million from the Federal Government for construction of its new campus building and also grant of autonomous status to the institution.

Earlier Dr Yasmin Salim, Vice Principal KMDC presented the welcome address.

Later the governor inaugurated a medical exhibition organized on the occasion.-APP