KARACHI: A total of 1,082 graduates 897 fellowships and 185 memberships were awarded degrees at the 58th convocation of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) on Wednesday.

Three students received awards for their outstanding performance; Dr Rafia Haleem Sheikh (Prof Zafar Ullah Chaudhhry Medal), Dr Maryam (Prof Azhar Faruqui Medal) and Dr Muhammad Osama (Prof Nagib Ullah Achakzai Medal).

Speaking as the chief guest,Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah urged the graduates to serve with empathy and dedication, reminding them of the sacrifices made by their families and the nation to support their journey to this prestigious profession.

He also talked about government`s healthcare initiatives and announced the establishment of trauma centres along highways to fill the critical gap in providing timely medical aid to traffic accident victims.

In his speech, Prof Andrew Elder, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, underlined the importance of gender diversity in healthcare, reminding specialists of the fundamental human strength in serving humanity.

`Despite all the fabulous technology that we have robotic surgeons, artificial intelligence never ever forget the power of yourown eyes to see, the power of your ears to listen, the power of your hands to touch and heal and the power of your voices to comfort and to explain is irreplaceable. No matter how advanced technology becomes, the true power of medicine will always lie in human connection,` he emphasized.

Addressing the gathering, CPSP President Prof Muhammad Shoaib Shafi traced the institution`s history, while highlighting is progress and role in country`s medical education and training `It has pioneered international training programmes, providing opportunities for residents to gain experience abroad through international collaborations,` he said.

The guests in attendance included President of the Bangladesh College of Physicians & Surgeons Prof Mohammod Shahidullah and Prof Khalid Masood Gondal.