Acting President of Pakistan Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Attends Ceremony of Pakistani-Origin International Doctors
Lahore : Acting President of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, attended a ceremony organized by the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA) at the Governor House.
Addressing the gathering, the Acting President said that it was a matter of great honor for him to participate in the event of international Pakistani-origin doctors. He emphasized the need to enhance facilities at Basic Health Units (BHUs) in order to reduce the burden on major hospitals, and stressed that healthcare services must be expanded in rural and underdeveloped areas.
He noted that under the 18th Constitutional Amendment, the health sector was devolved to the provinces, and reiterated his commitment to legislation and policymaking aimed at improving the quality of healthcare services. He said that global best practices should be utilized to ensure the provision of affordable healthcare in less developed regions. The Acting President appreciated the valuable national and international role played by community-based physicians, including those from the Pakistani diaspora.
Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani encouraged young doctors to focus on medical research and digital health services, stating that health and education are two sides of the same coin. He underlined the importance of innovation in the medical curriculum and continuous professional development to meet modern healthcare challenges.
Recalling past engagements, he said that he had also participated in APPNA programs during the tenure of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto as Prime Minister. He highlighted the significant role played by APPNA member doctors during the period of the Pressler Amendment, noting that they facilitated meetings with U.S. Senators, which helped Pakistan mitigate the adverse effects of the amendment. He added that following the Pressler Amendment, Pakistan’s defense and economy ultimately benefited.
The Acting President further shared that his family has had a deep and long-standing association with the fields of health and education, mentioning that his father was among the founders of Nishtar Medical College. He also remarked on the historical significance of Lahore, describing it as an ancient and cultural city, and referred to the writings of Data Ali Hajveri (RA) in Kashf-ul-Mahjoob.
The ceremony was also addressed by APPNA President Dr. Humaira Qamar, Dr. Nasr-ul-Iqbal, Dr. Fazal Akbar Ali, Dr. Tahir Pal, and Pakistan’s first transgender doctor, Dr. Zeni.
At the conclusion of the event, the Acting President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan distributed awards among the distinguished doctors in recognition of their services.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
