Lahore: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday urged newly graduated doctors to prioritise patient care, professional ethics and compassion while using modern medical technologies to improve healthcare services in Pakistan.
Addressing the 59th convocation of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) in Lahore, the minister said a medical degree carried responsibilities beyond academic achievement and professional success.
He congratulated the graduates, their families and teachers, acknowledging the effort and sacrifices involved in completing medical training.
Patient dignity and medical ethics
Ahsan said doctors must treat patients with respect and compassion, particularly those facing financial difficulties.
He stressed that honesty, sound professional judgement and empathy were essential to building trust between doctors and patients.
Referring to Islamic teachings, the minister highlighted the importance of saving human lives and maintaining integrity in public service.
He also cited an account involving two physicians who diagnosed Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah with a serious lung condition in 1946 but maintained the confidentiality of his illness.
Ahsan presented the example as a reminder of the importance of patient confidentiality and professional responsibility.
Technology reshaping healthcare
The minister said artificial intelligence, genomics, robotic surgery, digital pathology and telemedicine were changing healthcare practices worldwide.
He encouraged young doctors to continue learning throughout their careers, follow medical research and collaborate with engineers and computer scientists.
He said combining medical expertise with technological developments would be important for improving healthcare services in Pakistan.
Doctors urged to contribute to national development
Ahsan also called on medical professionals to counter misinformation, avoid social polarisation and contribute to national development.
He said the graduating doctors would have an important role in shaping Pakistan's future as the country approaches its centenary in 2047.
The minister urged them to combine professional excellence with a commitment to public service.
The ceremony was attended by CPSP President Professor Muhammad Shoaib Shafi, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh President Professor Mark Strachan and Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons Council President Professor Moudud Hossain Alamgir.
The address placed patient welfare, ethical responsibility and continuing medical education at the centre of the minister's message to Pakistan's new generation of doctors.
