PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Friday distributed certificates to the first batch of a six-week specialized training course for nurses at the Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar.
The course was jointly conducted by a consortium of British universities, the Department of Health, and KMU.
Senator Shibli Faraz of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Minister for Higher Education Meena Khan, Health Advisor Ihtesham Ali; Minister for Sports and Tourism Syed Fakhr Jahan, KMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zia ul Haq as well as heads of various institutions, faculty members, and students, were also present.
Speaking at the occasion, the chief minister said the provincial government was working towards implementing reforms in social sectors like education and health to actualize the vision of a welfare state as presented by party founder Imran Khan.
He said that self-reliance and financial autonomy played a vital role in a nation’s development, and achieving this goal was our mission.
The chief minister noted that there was no shortage of resources and talent in the province, but the real challenge lies in setting the right priorities. To move forward, we need to promote merit, justice, and a spirit of sacrifice within ourselves.
Gandapur said youth were our asset, and equipping them with modern knowledge and training was our responsibility. He stated that individuals serving in the health and education sectors, including teachers, doctors, paramedics, and nurses, were our true heroes.
Teh chief minister praised KMU for its contributions to research, education, and training across various health disciplines.
He added that any space required for the establishment of new institutes at KMU would be provided immediately upon identification.
Highlighting the vital role of nurses in hospitals, he said that patients spend most of their time with nurses, and if they possess both professional skills and a spirit of service, patients will receive better care and treatment.
The chief minister praised the launch of the project to train over 500 nurses professionally, describing it as a promising step.
He noted that after the successful completion of this project, it would be expanded to include the private sector, with trained nurses becoming master trainers to assist in further training.
Gandapur stressed the need for reform in the education system to align it with market requirements, assuring that the provincial government would provide guidance and support to universities in this endeavor.
Earlier, in his inaugural speech, KMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Ziaul Haq elaborated on the university’s various educational and research programs, the transparent conduct of the MDCAT, admissions on merit in public and private medical and dental colleges, and the interest and importance of students in allied health sciences, as well as KMU’s initiatives in these areas.
Dr Ijaz Hussain, Coordinator of the Nursing Training Program, also spoke on the occasion. The chief minister planted a sapling on the KMU lawn.
