Health & Education Archives

PMA demands strict enforcement of FCPS, MCPS trainee stipend policy

June 1, 2026 by abid khan

KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has urged the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) to implement a comprehensive enforcement mechanism to ensure compliance with stipend policies for FCPS and MCPS postgraduate trainees, warning that notifications alone are insufficient without concrete action.

In a letter addressed to CPSP President, PMA Secretary General Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro welcomed the college’s recent notification issued on May 30, 2026, reminding accredited institutions to comply with trainee stipend regulations.

However, the association expressed concern that similar directives in the past had failed to produce meaningful results due to weak implementation and oversight.

The PMA said postgraduate residents continue to face delayed payments, underpayment, and denial of their financial rights, particularly in private-sector healthcare institutions where trainee doctors are often required to work under demanding conditions for salaries below approved standards.

The association questioned who would be responsible for enforcing the directive and ensuring that institutions violating stipend policies are held accountable. It argued that warnings regarding possible impacts on accreditation status must be backed by immediate and decisive action.

To strengthen compliance, the PMA proposed several measures, including the establishment of an independent anonymous digital portal through which trainees could report violations without fear of retaliation. It also called for the immediate suspension of training slots and accreditation for institutions found breaching stipend regulations.

Additionally, the PMA recommended the formation of a joint monitoring committee comprising representatives from CPSP, PMA and provincial health authorities to conduct random financial audits of hospital payrolls and verify whether trainees are receiving the stipends mandated under CPSP policy.

Describing postgraduate trainees as the backbone of Pakistan’s healthcare system, the PMA said their exploitation must end and urged CPSP to provide an urgent enforcement roadmap detailing how stipend violations will be identified, investigated and penalized.

The letter was copied to the CPSP Executive Council and provincial health secretaries of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Medical graduates who became film stars

May 28, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: Several actresses in the entertainment industry achieved notable academic success before stepping into the world of acting.

Some of them earned medical degrees such as MBBS, while others specialized in demanding fields like dentistry. Their dedication, discipline, and hard work allowed them to stand out in education before later making a mark in film and television.

These journeys highlight that success in showbiz is not only driven by talent but also by strong educational backgrounds and perseverance.

Many of these actresses initially aspired to become doctors, but later transitioned into the entertainment industry. Among them are Sai Pallavi, Sreeleela, Manushi Chhillar, Shreya Sharma, Meenakshi Chaudhary, and Aditi Govitrikar.

Today, these actresses enjoy massive popularity and serve as inspiration for young people, showing that combining education with passion can lead to success in any field.

Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz undergoes major surgery in Lahore Hospital

May 28, 2026 by abid khan

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has undergone a major surgical procedure at Sharif Medical City Hospital, officials confirmed on Wednesday.

Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said in a statement shared on social media that Maryam Nawaz underwent major surgery at the Lahore-based hospital.

وزیراعلی مریم نواز شریف صاحبہ کی شریف میڈیکل سٹی ہسپتال میں میجر سرجری ہوئی ہے جس کے بعد وہ گھر منتقل ہو گئی ہیں، الحمدللہ۔ عید کے دن وزیر اعلی مریم نواز شریف نے ہسپتال سے صوبے میں سکیورٹی، صفائی سمیت دیگر تمام امور کی براہ راست خود نگرانی کی۔
— Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) May 28, 2026

However, the minister did not specify the nature of the surgical procedure in her statement.

Further details regarding the chief minister’s condition were not immediately disclosed.

Sindh tightens Ebola prevention measures at Karachi Airport

May 26, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: The Sindh Health Department has intensified preventive measures against Ebola at Jinnah International Airport amid growing global concerns over the deadly virus.

A high-level emergency meeting was held under the chairmanship of Special Health Secretary Fawad Ghaffar Soomro to review preparedness and response mechanisms at the airport.

Officials reviewed emergency arrangements to deal with potential Ebola cases, including stricter passenger monitoring, rapid response protocols and improvements to isolation ward facilities.

Representatives from the Airport Security Force, Federal Investigation Agency, Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority and Border Health Services also attended the meeting.

Among those present were Director General Health Dr. Waqar Memon, Director PDSRU Dr. Asif Syed and Dr. Zafar Mehdi.

Following the meeting, training sessions were conducted for personnel from different departments to strengthen preparedness against Ebola.

Officials decided to ensure 24-hour ambulance availability and establish a separate storage facility for emergency medical supplies.

Authorities also directed officials to further strengthen the passenger surveillance system at the airport and ensure protective measures and facilities for frontline workers.

During the briefing, Dr. Zafar Mehdi highlighted operational challenges and urgent requirements at the airport, saying airports remain highly sensitive points for the transmission of deadly infectious diseases.

He stressed that rapid response capabilities and effective preparedness are essential to contain Ebola threats.

Dr. Waqar Ahmed Memon emphasized the importance of training sessions and mock exercises to improve emergency response capacity.

An Ebola awareness and training session for health professionals was also held at Jinnah International Airport, focusing on virus transmission, surveillance, infection prevention and control measures, and safe handling of suspected patients and contact tracing.

The Sindh Health Department reaffirmed its commitment to remaining on full alert to protect public health.

Anxiety, depression push global mental health cases to 1.2b, study finds

May 22, 2026 by Newsdesk

A new study published in The Lancet has revealed that anxiety and depression have pushed the number of people living with mental health disorders worldwide to an estimated 1.2 billion.

According to the research, the number of people affected by mental illnesses has nearly doubled over the past three decades, largely driven by a sharp rise in anxiety and depression cases globally.

The study estimated that around 1.2 billion people worldwide were suffering from at least one mental health disorder in 2023.

Researchers found that mental health disorders increased by 95% between 1990 and 2023, with depression and anxiety cases rising by 131% and 158%, respectively. The two conditions have now become the most common mental health disorders worldwide.

The researchers stressed the need for stronger global action to address mental health challenges, particularly among vulnerable groups.

The study also showed that women are more affected by mental health disorders than men. Globally, around 620 million cases were recorded among women, compared to 552 million among men.

According to researchers, factors such as low self-esteem, concerns over body image and domestic violence may contribute to the higher prevalence of mental illness among women.

Depression, anxiety, persistent depressive symptoms and bipolar disorder were found to be more common among women, while behavioral conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism were more prevalent among men.

The study further found that mental health problems were most common among individuals aged 15 to 19.

Pakistan steps up preventive measures amid global Ebola concerns

May 21, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: The spread of the deadly Ebola outbreak originating in African countries has raised global alarm, with the World Health Organization declaring the situation a serious public health concern.

In response to the potential threat, Pakistan’s Ministry of Health has initiated precautionary measures and directed the National Institute of Health to ensure the availability of laboratory testing kits and take all necessary preparedness steps.

The ministry has also instructed Border Health Services authorities to remain on high alert and intensify screening of passengers arriving from Uganda and Democratic Republic of the Congo at airports across the country.

Officials said symptoms of Ebola hemorrhagic fever closely resemble those of dengue virus, prompting health authorities to advise medical staff to exercise extra caution while handling suspected cases.

According to officials from Pakistan’s federal health ministry, the situation within the country remains fully under control and there is no immediate cause for concern.

Meanwhile, more than 300 suspected Ebola cases and 80 deaths have been reported in affected African countries so far. A team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also arrived in the affected regions to assist response efforts.

North Waziristan student becomes one of World’s youngest ACCA qualifiers

May 19, 2026 by Newsdesk

MIRANSHAH: A student from Pakistan’s tribal district of North Waziristan has achieved a rare academic milestone by completing the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification at just 16 years and 11 months of age.

Abdul Rehman Khan Dawar, who hails from Miranshah, said he accomplished the feat despite limited educational facilities and challenging conditions in the region.

He is being recognized as one of the youngest ACCA qualifiers in Pakistan, surpassing a previous record held by Karachi student Sameera, who completed the qualification at 17 years and 8 months.

According to Abdul Rehman, he also completed a bachelor’s degree from Oxford Brookes University in London at an early age, highlighting his academic progress alongside the professional certification.

He said his achievement was not only a personal milestone but also a message for students in underdeveloped regions that determination and hard work can overcome limited resources.

Abdul Rehman added that youth in tribal districts have strong potential but need better opportunities and guidance to succeed in higher education and professional fields.

He expressed hope that his success would inspire students across Pakistan’s remote areas to pursue advanced education and aim for international qualifications.

PMDC announces MDCAT 2026 date

May 19, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council on Tuesday announced that the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2026 will be held on Aug. 16, 2026.

The council said the test will take place on a Sunday and confirmed that the syllabus from 2025 will remain in effect for the upcoming examination.

The PMDC advised students to stay updated through its official website for further details and announcements regarding exam arrangements.

The MDCAT is a key entry requirement for admission to medical and dental colleges across Pakistan.

Pakistan launches Hepatitis C elimination programme: Mustafa Kamal

May 13, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal has revealed that around 10 million people in Pakistan are suffering from Hepatitis C, while nearly 80 percent of patients remain unaware of their condition.

He made these remarks while addressing the soft launch ceremony of the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis C Elimination Programme, announcing free nationwide screening and treatment under the initiative. He described the programme as a historic and revolutionary step for Pakistan’s healthcare sector.

The minister said the Rs67 billion programme was initiated after nearly a decade of sustained efforts. He added that while an estimated 60 million people worldwide are affected by Hepatitis C, Pakistan accounts for a significant portion of the burden.

Highlighting the severity of the disease, he warned that untreated Hepatitis C can lead to liver cancer, stressing the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and public awareness.

Mustafa Kamal said Pakistan’s healthcare system must shift from “sick care” to true preventive healthcare, focusing on disease prevention rather than only treatment.

He further stated that a nationwide screening drive will be launched in collaboration with National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to ensure wider public access. In the initial phase, 12 screening counters have already been set up in federal hospitals in Islamabad.

He announced that the Hepatitis C screening test, costing around Rs7,000, along with a full three-to-six-month treatment course, will be provided free of cost under the programme.

Comparing international success stories, he said that if countries like Egypt can eliminate Hepatitis C, Pakistan can achieve the same goal through timely screening and public participation.

The minister also highlighted the growing pressure on Pakistan’s healthcare system due to population growth, stating that doctors are now treating over 350 patients a day compared to an ideal workload of around 30 patients.

Tailor’s daughter makes history with 17 gold medals in Khyber Girl Medical College

May 8, 2026 by Newsdesk

PESHAWAR: Students of Khyber Girls Medical College have achieved remarkable academic success, securing a record number of gold medals and bringing pride to the institution.

Among the top achievers, student Qandeel Murtaza delivered an extraordinary performance by winning 17 gold medals, setting a new record at the college. Her achievement was warmly celebrated during the convocation ceremony, where the audience applauded as her name was announced.

Another outstanding student, Muqaddas, secured 10 gold medals, while Sabin earned 7 gold medals for her excellent academic performance.

Qandeel Murtaza, who belongs to Haripur and is the daughter of a tailor master, was also honored in the presence of dignitaries. Reports say applause filled the hall when she was awarded the medals, highlighting the significance of her achievement.

The student also shared that academic excellence runs in her family, mentioning that her siblings are also highly educated and serving in various professional fields, including government service, engineering, and higher education roles.

The achievements of these students are being widely appreciated as a reflection of dedication, hard work, and academic excellence, and are seen as an inspiration for other students across the country.