600 medical students leave for Cuba
By Bushra Makhdoom

ISLAMABAD—An orientation session for the students leaving for medical education in Cuba was organized at Higher Education Commission (HEC), Islamabad in collaboration with the Cuban Embassy.
Gustavo Machin Gomez, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba and Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, Chairman HEC were Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively on the occasion.
The purpose of the event was to inform the students about different aspects of the scholarship programme, the educational system in Cuba and matters related to living and managing in a foreign environment.
Similar orientation sessions have also been organized by HEC at Karachi and Lahore. Ariel Lorenzo, First Secretary of the Cuban Embassy was present at all the three occasions.
Speaking on the occasion, the Cuban Ambassador said that 1000 medical scholarships for Pakistani students by Cuban government is a commitment of Cuban people towards their Pakistani friends. He said that it is the second time Cuba is going to receive Muslim students and the people and Government of Cuba are anxiously looking forward to it.
“In order to meet their requirements, maximum facilities have been ensured including complete religious and cultural freedom”, he said.
Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman commended the Cuban Government for offering medical scholarships to Pakistani students and stated that the Cuban government through this programme has committed on a long-term relationship between the two friendly countries.
He also appreciated the HRD Division of HEC as well as Cuban counterparts for ensuring a transparent and merit-based selection process.
Emphasizing the importance of hard work, he advised them to set a good example. He also made it clear that the graduating students would be required to pass the PMDC examination upon return just like medical students graduating from any other country.
Dr. Sohail Naqvi, Executive Director HEC thanked the Cuban government for offering a gift `from a developing country to a developing country’.
Renowned medical doctor, Iftikhar Malik, said that Pakistani students would receive the best medical education that is recognized by World Health Organization (WHO).