Punjab Health Minister Dr Tahir Ali Javed has said the government was providing all possible funds for research activities in the field of medical education, and co-operation of international donors would also be sought in that regard. Talking to a delegation of doctors/medical teachers here on Monday Dr Tahir said the Punjab government had enhanced budget for the health department, whereas it would also be increased in the next fiscal year.

He said the present government had restored dignity of the doctors' community adding the present regime was working hard to develop and modernise the medical syllabus according to present day requirements. He was of the view that basic duty of medical professionals was to provide basic health facilities to the people at their doorsteps.

The present regime had made record allocation of Rs 16 billion to the health department and also set up three new medical colleges, besides enhancing seats in the existing medical colleges whereas King Edward Medical College (KEMC) had been upgraded to the university status. Dr Javed said the required budget would be provided to the medical institutions for research oriented activities, he maintained.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2005