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In Karachi the work of organizing the Association on a sound
basis was immediately taken up. A detailed Con-stitution was
drafted and approved. The Association was registered under
the Registration of Societies Act XXI of 1960. Soon all over
Pakistan, branches were establish-ed with the efficient service
rendered by the office bearers; and with the enthusiastic
support of the members the activities of the Association became
all emb-racing. The Association was consulted by the govern-ment
in all matters connected with problems of health and medical
education.
EARLY PERIOD
During the early period the Medical Association had the full
support and cooperation of the first Prime Minister, and one
of its members was the Health Minister. The Medical Association
during this period sent a medical mission to Khokropar to attend
to the refugees pouring in from India from across the Sind border.
A team of medical men and medical student volunteers did some
magnificent work during the floods in the Punjab in
1951.
The first All-Pakistan Medical Conference was inaugurat-ed
by Mr. Liaquat Au Khan at Karachi. A beginning was made by
inviting medical delegates from different coun-tries of the
world to attend our Biennial Conference. A tradition was laid
down for international cooperation which has since grown with
the passage of time.
It was during this early period that Sir Alexander Flemming,
the discoverer of Penicillin, visited Pakistan as the guest
of the Medical Association. The first honorary membership of
the Association was conferred on him. A symposium on "The
Problem of Medical Research in Pakistan" under his chairmanship
was a memorable event. Sir Alexander Flemming gave a talk on
"How Pakistani Children can grow to be the Research Workers
of tomorrow" at Rainbow Court
Y.M.C.A. This was largely attended by doctors and students and
the public. It was a memorable meeting indeed. Sir Alexander
Flemming's broadcast from Radio Pakistan was relayed by radio
stations all over the world and his warning about the misuse
of the antibiotics was timely and prophetic.
In 1948 the Pakistan Medical Association Journal started its
publication as an official organ of the Pakistan Medi-cal Association
the journal has been steadily improving
The Medical Association tightly and successfully saw the
end of the medical conscription. The government had to realize
the value of willing cooperation from the medical profession
which is always available for the im-provement of the health
of the nation.
Pakistan Medical Association is the founder-member of the
World Medical Association, and has always taken active and
constructive part in its activities. Pakistan Medical Association
is also an active member of con-federation of Medical Association
of Asia and Oceania. In 1961 at the request of British Medical
Association Mutual affiliation between British Medical Association
and Pakistan Medical Association was achieved.
Many years ago the idea of holding a joint meeting of the
British Medical Association and Pakistan Medical Association
was mooted. In November 1966 a joint meeting of British and
Pakistan Medical Association was held at Karachi. The Pakistan
Medical Association was an active member of the Commonwealth
Medical Association and took keen interest in its development
and growth. The Asso-ciation has taken active part in the
first and second 3rd and 4th World Conference on medical education.
The World Medical Association had decided to hold the Third
World Conference on medical education in Pakis-tan. However,
in view of the fact that Pakistan has no diplomatic relations
with Israel, the Third World Con-ference could not be held
in Karachi.
In May 1952 a medical delegation of 14 persons visited USSR
under the leadership of Col.Jalal M Shah (Late). In 1955 the
visit of the President4leot of Pakistan Medical Association
paved the, way for postgraduate training of our doctors in USA.
A New York Times Editorial published on Pakistan is interesting
in this context. Good post-graduate training programme in USA
for our post-graduates was confirmed for a number of years.
Further attempts in this direction is the need of the hour.
In 1958 another medical delegation of 17 persons visit-ed the
People's Republic of China under the leadership of Dr. Munawar
Ali, President of Pakistan Medical Association.
In 1956 the foundation for the Central Medical Library was
laid. Generous gifts from two of our members in particular,
and some of the international agencies, help-ed towards the
establishment of this important national requirement. Unfortunately
it has not developed to our expectations and requirements.
A "Central Medical Library" as reference library
is the crying need of Pakistan
On the national front, Pakistan Medical Association has been
active in the social welfare field and has been trying to
augment government efforts at times of emergency such as floods,
cyclones, epidemics, earthquakes, and so on. These efforts
of the Association have been appre-ciated both by the government
and the general public. In keeping with its past history and
traditions the Pakistan Medical Association also responded
with full force to the call of the nation in all emergencies.
The Pakistan Medical Association has not been confining its
activities to emergencies alone and has been carrying on a
regular campaign to eradicate many social evils which directly
or indirectly affect the health and welfare of the People.
The Association has been carrying on a campaign against quackery
and other unhealthy practices in the country. It approached
the Pakistan Broadcasting authorities for the stoppage of
advertisements about cigarettes and unethical advertise-ments
about drugs.
The authorities appreciated the stand taken by the Medical
Association which has also been interested in eradicating
obscene advertisements appearing in the daily press which
are responsible for the moral and mental degradation of the
ignorant masses. The above are, in short, some of the fields
in which the Medical Association is actively engaged.
Pakistan Medical Association has also been taking due share
in the future planning of the health sector and has been associated
with the Planning Commission in the formulation of its 5 year
Plans. A report was prepared by a committee of the Association
members and was submitted to the Planning Commission for inclusion
in their plans.
The Pakistan Medical Association also taken keep in tersest
in all activities connected with the health and well-being
of the people. Pakistan Medical Association On 15 represented
on the Pharmaceutical Survey Committee, Narcotics Committee,
Tariff Commission, Governing Bodies for Medical Colleges,
National Institution for Family Planning, Drug Technical Advisory
Board, Medical Research Council etc.
The Medical Association has been urging the govern-ment to
raise the standard of medical education in our medical colleges.
More sustained efforts are needed to bring Pakistan Medical
Association at a par with some of the well known Medical Associations
of the world.
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