RMU to be upgraded for competing at world level

Muhammad Qasim

Rawalpindi: The Institute of Allied Health Sciences at Rawalpindi Medical University held its first convocation here on Thursday at Latif Auditorium of the university’s Tipu Road Campus to confer degrees to its graduates after the inception of Rawalpindi Medical University.

Federal Minister for Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD) Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary graced the occasion as the chief guest while the Ex-Principal of the then Rawalpindi Medical College and the man behind laying of the foundations of the Institute of Allied Health Sciences (IAHS) back in 2008 Professor Dr. Muhammad Mussadiq Khan was the guest of honour.

The IAHS is currently offering Allied Health Sciences Programmes including 5-year Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) programme and 4-year B.Sc. (Honours) degree in Medical Lab Technologies, Medical Imaging Technologies, Orthotics and Optometry in collaboration with the University of Health Sciences Lahore.

The convocation was declared open by the Vice Chancellor of RMU Professor Dr. Muhammad Umer and the proceeding started with the welcome address by the Dean of IAHS. During the degrees and awards distribution ceremony, as many as 350 students from the sessions 2008-09 till session 2012-13 received their degrees and awards including 52 gold medals for achieving top positions all over the Punjab in the university exams conducted by the University of Health Sciences. Apart from the gold medals, the students were also awarded certificates of achievement for distinctions in exams and awards for best graduate in each session.

After the award distribution ceremony, the RMU Vice Chancellor Professor Umer addressing the audience said it is an honour for RMU to receive accreditation by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan after its inception and it is due to the fact that everyone at RMU including faculty and the students proved the merit of RMU to achieve this status.

He further added that it is his wish to develop the RMU on scientific lines so that we can achieve the status of being among the top universities of the world which are well-equipped for the challenges of the future.

Speaking on the occasion, Professor Mussadiq Khan expressed his extreme joy to see RMU and IAHS flourishing day by the day. He expressed his well wishes for the faculty and students of AHS for their future progress.

The federal minister for CADD during his address appreciated the efforts of the faculty and the students of the IAHS and congratulated the graduates on entering the professional lives as the allied health professionals. He also appreciated the efforts of RMU for upholding the standards of education and producing well qualified and competent heath care professionals to alleviate the suffering of the public. He assured his utmost support for the RMU, IAHS and the students in his capacity as a minister to help in further progress of education standards and facilities.