By our correspondent
KARACHI: The Annual Education and Research Symposium of Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) was held on Wednesday, where Sindh Minister for Universities and Boards, Ismail Rahoo, reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to supporting public sector universities, particularly in research funding.
Addressing participants during a high-level panel discussion at the symposium, Minister Rahoo categorically denied providing major financial grants to private sector universities, stressing that the Sindh government prioritizes public institutions despite limited resources.
“Universities in Sindh deserve higher grants, and despite financial constraints, the Sindh government is ensuring continued support for all public sector universities,” he said, adding that research funding would remain focused on strengthening public institutions.
A panel discussion titled “Barriers to Research in Medical Universities” was held under the chairmanship of Prof. Mohammad Asif Memon, with Dr. Shiraz Sheikh and Dr. Nazish Jaffar serving as co-chairs. The discussion set the academic tone of the day-long symposium, addressing strategic challenges and potential solutions in medical research.
Speaking at the panel, Dr. Sadaqat, a research scholar at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), noted that while the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) had limited research output, JSMU was poised to take a leading role in postgraduate research. He highlighted that the curriculum had been revamped, with four days allocated specifically for practical demonstrations for clinicians.
He also raised concerns that the Continuing Medical Education (CME) program under PMDC might not achieve its intended outcomes in its current form. However, he announced that JSMU planned to soon register doctors for hands-on training in robotic surgery, fulfilling the vision of the former executive director, the late Dr. Shahid Rasool.
Concluding the panel discussion, Prof. Nighat Shah addressed students and early-career researchers, stating: “This symposium is being held for the benefit of our future generations. We encourage young researchers to come forward and participate wholeheartedly in research.”
