College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) officials informed the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulation, and Coordination on Tuesday that a four-day training course on ethics, humanity, and professionalism is now mandatory for every postgraduate medical student to ensure ethical practices and uphold professionalism in the medical field.
CPSP representatives emphasized that once doctors complete their postgraduate training, the CPSP cannot directly regulate their medical practices. However, specific complaints against physicians or surgeons are reviewed by the CPSP’s disciplinary committee, which takes necessary action in case of violations.
“It is the responsibility of regulatory bodies such as provincial healthcare commissions, the federal healthcare authority, and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to monitor medical professionals and address any misconduct,” they stated.
The Senate panel, led by Chairman Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, visited the CPSP in Karachi for discussions on improving medical education and professionalism. The meeting was also attended by Director General Health Dr Shabana Saleem.
During the meeting, CPSP officials sought the Senate panel’s support in establishing linkages with Gulf countries to enhance the medical education sector. They urged the government to involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in expediting agreements that would enable medical graduates to pursue postgraduate training and employment in the Middle East.
Prof Khalid Masood Gondal, senior vice president of CPSP, welcomed the Senate delegation and provided a comprehensive briefing on the college’s rigorous training programs, standardized examination processes, and international collaborations under the "brain gain" initiative.
He highlighted CPSP’s partnerships with institutions in the UK and Ireland, endorsed by the World Health Organisation, to strengthen postgraduate medical education. Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti praised the CPSP for its significant contributions to the medical education sector and assured the Senate’s full support for the college’s initiatives. “The CPSP has achieved commendable progress, but continuous improvement is essential to address ethical practices and research in medical education,” he noted.
Senator Irfan-ul-Haq Siddiqui acknowledged the CPSP’s achievements but stressed the need to explore improvements in undergraduate medical training alongside postgraduate programs. “The CPSP is among the few institutions excelling in medical education, but its impact on undergraduate training must also be strengthened,” he said.
Senator Anusha Rehman Ahmed Khan raised concerns about the lack of ethical practices in medical education, citing the growing trend of unnecessary C-section operations. “This practice is not only unethical but inhumane. CPSP must do more to ensure that ethics training translates into better practices,” she urged.
Senator Dr Humayun Mohmand called for greater emphasis on research among medical professionals. Highlighting that the CPSP’s medical journal has an impact factor of 1, he remarked, “While this is satisfactory, it reflects the need for more robust research initiatives.”
Prof Aamer Zaman Khan, director general medical education, briefed the committee on the CPSP’s innovative efforts, including revamped research workshops, the establishment of a simulation center, and the introduction of artificial intelligence in assessments. The CPSP delegation assured the Senate committee of its commitment to ethical training and requested support to strengthen international collaborations, particularly in the Middle East.
The visit concluded with a tour of the CPSP’s departments, where the Senate delegation observed the college’s facilities and ongoing initiatives. Souvenirs were presented to the Senate members by Prof Khalid Masood Gondal as a token of appreciation.
The Senate delegation included Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti (Chairperson), Senator Irfan-ul-Haq Siddiqui, Senator Anusha Rehman Ahmed Khan, Senator Masroor Ahsan, Senator Dr Humayun Mohmand, Senator Liaquat Khan Tarkai, and Senator Fawzia Arshad. Key CPSP representatives, including Prof. Khalid Masood Gondal, Prof. Aamer Zaman Khan, and Prof. Khalid Ahmed Ashrafi, were also in attendance.