The College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) plans to celebrate its Golden Jubilee in May this year. A CPSP source told APP on Monday that the College, since its establishment in 1962, has managed to meet more than 80 percent need of medical specialists and surgeons in the country, with due care for quality.
"During the 50 years, 139 well reputed institutions of medical training (including tertiary care hospitals) in the country were granted accreditation status," he said. Strict criterion for designation of institutions and appointment of supervisors is adopted and, consequently, those failing to maintain the standard could and are de-notified. Thousands of doctors get themselves registered with CPSP for postgraduate level training with 2,069 supervisors.
The College conducts over 170 examinations every year and, according to CPSP official, not one examination in the 50 years' history of the College was delayed or postponed. The College is managed by a Council, elected by its Fellows every four years, and the Council elects its office-bearers every year. The CPSP source said CPSP qualifications have attained international recognition by some of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the medical field as Royal College of Physicians.
"They prefer inducting CPSP Fellows in United Kingdom for post-fellowship experience and training," claimed the official. "We have also efficiently faced the post-9/11 challenge and enabled the doctors from Pakistan, as well as other Muslim countries, to acquire high quality advanced training," he added.
CPSP curricula is also implemented in Saudi Arabia and other regional countries, and CPSP Fellowship is equated with Ph D by many of the foreign countries. Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on basis of reciprocity have also been signed with King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, King Faisal Research Centre, Royal College of Physicians, London, Royal College of Paediatricians, Royal College of Psychiatrists, Malaysian Ministry of Health, etc.