Call for modernising family medicine to reform health sector
LAHORE: Terming the family physicians as back bone of the health delivery system, CMH Medical College Principal Maj Gen Nadeem Fazal (SI M) has called for modernising the family medicine to bring visible changes in the health sector.
While addressing the 36th annual conference of Family Physicians held under the aegis of Pakistan Society of Family Physicians and General Cadre Doctor’s Association (GCDA), Nadeem Fazal said without bringing improvement in the family medicine, health delivery system cannot meet modern day challenges.
General Cadre Doctors Association President Dr Masood Sheikh said that health administration is an important component of health delivery system but it is a matter of great concern that the most important position of medical superintendent in a hospital remains uncertain because the incumbent is dislodged from his seat overnight and has to face inquiries for years. He expressed concern that only MS has to face inquiries whereas other members of procurement committee are not held responsible for any irregularity.
Dr Masood Sheikh further said that the government is spending billions of rupees on the training of health managers through Institute of Public Health and Health Services Academy Islamabad but the posting of non-qualified health managers against the position of medical superintendent is a question mark on the existence of these institutions for health managers. He added that posting of teaching cadre as health administrators in the presence of health officers holding master degrees in public health is hazardous for the health department.
Former Principal Ameer-ud-Din Medical College Prof Farid Zafar said that diseases in women are increasing day by day and infertility is top of the list. He added that diseases in women including infertility can be cured with the help of modern research. He advised women to maintain weight and take balanced diet for their health and wellbeing.
President Pakistan Society of Family Physicians Dr Tariq Aziz, highlighting importance of family physicians, said that no improvement in health delivery system is possible without bringing improvement in the structure of physicians. He further said that world level research in the health sector was shared with family physicians to upgrade their clinical skills so that they can make improvement in medical diagnosis and treatment.
Executive Secretary PSFP Dr Ahmad Qasim Khan said that ultrasound training was imparted to family physicians to enable them to improve their diagnostic skills.
IPH Dean prof Saira Afzal, Prof Mulazim Hussain Bukhari, Central Park Medical College principal, Col Amir Mian, Health Care commission consultant Dr Mushtaq Sulehria also addressed the conference.
On this occasion, Life Time Achievement Awards were given to sitting as well as former medical superintendents for rendering meritorious services as health managers. Those who were given awards are ex-MS Ganga Ram Hospital Dr Noman Mashhadi, ex-MS Jinnah Hospital Dr Tahir Rasheed, ex-MS Mayo Hospital Dr Muhammad Zahid, ex-MS Mozang Hospital Dr Munir Ghauri, ex- MS Said Mitha and Shahdara Teaching Hospital Dr Masood Sheikh, MS LGH Dr Faryad Hussain, ex- MS LGH DR Amir Mufti, ex-MS Dental Hospital Dr Bakhtyawer and Dr Ghulam Farid.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026