LARKANA: The element of research is the linchpin of discovering new ideas and offering concepts in treating different diseases, but unfortunately it lacks in our universities.

This was stated by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University (SMBBMU) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Nusrat Shah while speak-ing at an event titled `White Coat Day` held at Chandka Medical College (CMC) here on Tuesday to welcome 300 new students for the MBBS and BDS in the 53rd batch of the CMC and 14th batch of Bibi Assefa Dental College.

She said: `Presently we just prescribe medicines or optfor surgery to treat patients but the crux of the issue is why not we do not focus on research to tap new avenues and remedies to prevent the dis-eases like diabetes, hypertension, HIV etc.

Addressing the new entrants, she asked their parents to keep an eye on their children after admitting them in the institutions and monitor their activities. She admitted that girl students performed well as compared to boys in the medical field; the boys should also try to excel in their fields.

She said women constituted 50 per cent of the country`s population butdue toavariety ofreasons, majority of the girls after completing their MBBS or BDS could not pursue theircareer.Theyleftprofession after marriage, she said and asked the parents to sincerely let their daughters contribute in the medical field.

CMC Principal Prof Dr Zameer Soomro said `We are here for all possible help to the new badges.

He urged them to focus on positive activities for the next five years. He said 20departments were currently functioning in the CMC and after 51 years of journey, the college had proved itself an excellent educational institution.

Director Academics Prof Dr Shahid Hussain Soomro briefed the parents and students about the new guidelines of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council where 90 per cent attendance was made mandatory to appear in examinations.

A student could only bedeclared pass by securing 70 per cent marks which in the past was just 50 per cent. `So be careful and honest to your studies and attendance, he said.

Dean Dentistry Prof Yousif Shah, Dean Medicine Prof Altaf Shaikh, Prof Dr Fozia Chandio and Prof Qaimudin Shaikh also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier, the SMBBMU VC administered oath to the new students.declared pass by securing 70 per cent marks which in the past was just 50 per cent. `So be careful and honest to your studies and attendance, he said.

Dean Dentistry Prof Yousif Shah, Dean Medicine Prof Altaf Shaikh, Prof Dr Fozia Chandio and Prof Qaimudin Shaikh also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier, the SMBBMU VC administered oath to the new students.