Need for medical education reforms in Punjab stressed

LAHORE: Punjab Health Advisor Maj Gen (retd) Dr Azhar Mehmood Kayani has highlighted the pivotal role of medical educators and stakeholders in enhancing medical education and healthcare services in hospitals.
During a comprehensive review of the Lahore General Hospital (LGH) and the Punjab Institute of Neurosciences (PINS), Dr Kayani emphasized that diligence and integrity are essential for elevating the medical profession’s dignity and effectively serving humanity.
The review meeting was also attended by Ameer Uddin Medical College Principal Prof. Dr Muhammad Al-Fareed Zafar, PINS Executive Director Prof. Muhammad Asif Bashir, and Medical Superintendents Dr Frayad Hussain and Dr Umar Ishaq.
Following the meeting, Dr Kayani chaired an academic council session at LGH, where Prof. Zafar provided an overview of departmental performance, saying over Rs10 million is allocated annually for research at the Postgraduate Medical Institute (PGMI), and that laparoscopic techniques are being widely employed in gynaecology, surgery, and other specialties to reduce patient recovery times.
Dr Kayani praised Prof. Zafar for implementing advanced laparoscopic procedures at LGH. He also announced plans to recommend an increase in Nursing College seats at LGH from 200 to 300, aiming to provide more opportunities for female students.
Dr Kayani also mentioned that an integrated strategy is underway to address hospital challenges and improve patient care. He highlighted the development of a monitoring and auditing system for the referral process from district to teaching hospitals, ensuring that patients can access treatment without unnecessary obstacles.