THE World Health Organisation (WHO) has emphasised that medical curriculum in Pakistan must be tailor-made while keeping in view the changing health needs of its population. It is not appropriate to have the same curricula for the last 30 years.

This was stated by Regional Director of World Health Organisation (WHO) and former Saudi Health Minister Dr. Hussein A. Gezairy during a workshop on "Public Health in Medical Education and Working with Grassroots" at University of Health Sciences (UHS) on Tuesday. The workshop was organized by the WHO in collaboration with the UHS and Institute of Public Health (IPH) Lahore.

WHO representative in Pakistan Dr. Khalif Bile Mohamud, UHS Vice Chancellor Prof. Malik H. Mubbashar, Principals and senior faculty members of the affiliated medical colleges attended the workshop.

Dr. Gezairy highlighted the importance of applied research for the eradication of diseases, including polio and hepatitis, in Pakistan. He also stressed the need for finding simple but not necessarily latest solutions for the health problems of the communities. "Our goal should be to make Pakistan free of diseases for which we need simple solutions. By ensuring the provision of safe drinking water, promoting healthy lifestyle and good eating habits and banning smoking including Shisha, we can protect, preserve and promote public health", he added.

He further said the impact of medical education could be gauged from the health indicators such as infant mortality and maternal mortality rates. It is, therefore, important to produce doctors who have learned enough skills and abilities to promote public health. He specifically appreciated the government's commitment to eradicate polio.