By Our Correspondent
LAHORE – Family physicians play a vital role in improving healthcare delivery, and recognising their services with gold medals will encourage excellence in the field, said Principal CMH Medical College Lahore Major General Nadeem Afzal (Sitara-i-Imtiaz Military).
Addressing the annual Family Conference organised by the Society of Family Physicians and General Cadre Doctors Association, Maj Gen Nadeem Afzal said family medicine has become a major focus worldwide and efforts are now being made to promote the specialty in Pakistan.
He said the inclusion of modern knowledge and updated medical practices in family medicine could further improve the quality of healthcare services. He congratulated delegates from across Pakistan for participating in the international conference and distributed gold medals among doctors who demonstrated outstanding performance in family medicine.
Speaking on the occasion, General Cadre Doctors Association representative Dr Masood Sheikh said improving hospitals’ performance was not possible without providing protection and stability to Medical Superintendents (MSs).
He said health administration was a key component of the healthcare delivery system and there was a need to develop clear standard operating procedures for the appointment of Medical Superintendents, similar to the system followed for vice chancellors.
Dr Masood Sheikh said MSs were responsible for procurement, planning and dealing with multiple administrative challenges, but often faced uncertainty regarding their positions and future. He stressed that strengthening the role of MSs was essential for improving hospital performance.
He said the post of Medical Superintendent was among the most important positions in a hospital, but unfortunately MSs were sometimes removed from their posts abruptly and subjected to inquiries that continued for years.
He added that while an MS was transferred, committee members, supporting officers and staff working in the same hospital often continued their duties without facing similar scrutiny, leaving the entire responsibility on the MS.
President Pakistan Society of Family Physicians Dr Tariq Aziz said family physicians were the backbone of society and improvements in their professional capacity were necessary for strengthening the healthcare system.
He said the international conference provided an opportunity to share global research, discuss new developments in diagnosis and treatment, and update doctors about modern medical advancements.
Dr Muzaffar Sheikh said family physicians were closely connected with communities, and people often sought their advice not only regarding health matters but also important family decisions. He said continuous professional development of family physicians would help provide better healthcare facilities to the public.
The opening ceremony was also addressed by Secretary Dr Captain Qasim Khan, Dean Institute of Public Health Professor Saira Afzal, Professor Mullaiz Hussain Bukhari, Principal Central Park Medical College Colonel Amir Mian and Healthcare Commission Consultant Dr Mushtaq Salharia.
