Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, speaking at the 58th Convocation of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP), acknowledged that if victims of traffic accidents on highways receive immediate medical aid, their lives can be saved, therefore he announced the establishment of emergency trauma centres on highways.
According to a statement by Sindh Chief Minister House, the Chief Minister directed the Secretary of Health and the Executive Director of Sehwan Hospital to ensure the setup of these trauma centres for emergency medical assistance.
He stated that while a trauma centre, the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Trauma Centre, has already been established at the Civil Hospital in Karachi, there is an urgent need for similar facilities across the rest of Sindh. He further mentioned that if the three people who lost their lives in an accident near Manjhand the previous day had received timely medical assistance, their lives might have been saved.
The program was attended by CPSP President Prof. Muhammad Shoaib Shafi, President of the Royal College of Edinburgh Prof. Andrew, Head of the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons Prof. Shaheedullah, Prof. Khalid Masood Gondal, senior faculty, and graduating specialists.
Mr Shah, referencing CPSP President Professor Shoaib Ahmad, stated that only seven colleges and institutes in Sindh are officially recognised for critical healthcare, while the others still require recognition. He mentioned that he has instructed the Secretary of Health to collaborate with Professor Shoaib to address this recognition issue.
Mr Shah praised the success of his health sector policies, highlighting that the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) is the only institution in the region performing the highest number of primary angiographies under one roof at NICVD Karachi. He noted that NICVD has 24 chest units and nine satellite centres. ‘It is Almighty Allah who gives and takes away life, but we have made a concerted effort to establish a vast healthcare network aimed at saving lives.’
Mr. Shah stated that JPMC is equipped with state-of-the-art radiology facilities, including three CyberKnife machines. He claims that it is the only place in the world offering free CyberKnife treatment, a procedure that can cost between $15000 and $100,000 elsewhere. We have treated patients not only from all over Pakistan but also many expatriates who returned for treatment because they could not afford it.
The Sindh government takes great pride in being the largest partner of the Indus Hospital. ‘I have made it my top priority to collaborate with all stakeholders,’ he stated. He also mentioned that, with the support of the private sector, the Sindh government established the Sindh Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes (SIEG) at Civil Hospital under the leadership of Dr Saad Niaz. ‘It is the government’s prime responsibility to provide healthcare, and we are very pleased to work alongside the private sector in delivering world-class health facilities to our people.’
The chief minister congratulated the graduating specialists, urging them to use their knowledge and skills to alleviate the suffering of the nation. He emphasised the importance of academic excellence, administrative autonomy, and social responsibility, calling CPSP a beacon of quality education and professionalism. ‘The strength of a nation lies in its quality institutions, and CPSP is one of the few that has brought national and international recognition to Pakistan,’ Mr Shah said. He reiterated that as custodians of the medical profession, graduates must uphold empathy, ethical behaviour, and dedication in serving the ailing.
Highlighting the sacrifices made by families and the people of Pakistan to support the medical profession, Murad Shah reminded the graduates of their responsibility to repay society through compassionate care and professional excellence. “I have full faith in CPSP’s ability to continue producing outstanding medical professionals. The college’s focus on academic excellence, research, and innovation will ensure that our healthcare system remains in capable hands.”
The CM also lauded CPSP’s progress and achievements, expressing hope for its continued journey toward greater glory. ‘The future of CPSP lies in the hands of its young specialists. By fostering professional competencies and noble values, this institution will continue to bring honour to Pakistan,’ he added.
The convocation celebrated the accomplishments of the graduating specialists while reaffirming CPSP’s commitment to producing highly skilled and ethical medical professionals. The event concluded with a pledge to uphold the highest standards of medical care and education, ensuring a healthier and brighter future for the nation.