More than 225 graduates receive MBBS, BDS degrees at University of Lahore’s 16th Convocation

LAHORE: More than 225 fresh medical graduates were awarded MBBS and BDS degrees at the 16th Convocation of the University of Lahore. The grand ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Provincial Ministers Khwaja Salman Rafiq and Khawaja Imran Nazir, along with Vice Chancellor Fatima Jinnah Medical University Prof. Khalid Masood Gondal, Vice Chancellor of the University of Child Health Sciences Prof. Masood Sadiq, Owais Rauf, Uzair Rauf, Dr. Zahid Pervez, and Dr. Atif Kazmi. Faculty members and students also participated in the momentous occasion.

The convocation commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem. Addressing the audience, Khwaja Salman Rafiq extended heartfelt congratulations to the graduates and their parents. He emphasized the significant role of parents in a student’s success and encouraged the graduates to acknowledge and appreciate their unwavering support.

In recognition of academic excellence, outstanding students were honored with gold medals for their exceptional performance. The event not only marked an important milestone for the graduates but also underscored the commitment of the Punjab government to advancing medical education and healthcare in the region.

Punjab Government’s Flagship Healthcare Initiatives

During his speech, Khwaja Salman Rafiq reaffirmed the Punjab government's dedication to strengthening the healthcare sector. He highlighted several key initiatives spearheaded by Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, including:

✅ Chief Minister Children’s Heart Surgery Program – Expanding pediatric cardiac care across Punjab
✅ Chief Minister Dialysis Program – Providing free and accessible dialysis treatment for kidney patients
✅ Chief Minister Transplant Program – Enhancing organ transplant facilities in Punjab

Additionally, he announced that the Punjab government is investing Rs 82 billion in the construction of the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology in Lahore, along with a Rs 10 billion investment in the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology in Sargodha to improve cardiac care facilities.

The 16th Convocation of the University of Lahore celebrated not only the academic achievements of the graduates but also the future of Pakistan’s medical sector, as the newly qualified doctors embark on their professional journeys to serve the healthcare needs of the nation.