KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday emphasized on promoting awareness throughout the province about oral cancer. He expressed his satisfaction that Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine (AIDM) was also engaged in the community and dentistry and charity by working in the localities of less privileged segment of the society, and increasing awareness about oral dental hygiene in the public sector schools. “I request the Principal of Altamash Institute, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Altamash to conduct a series of community activities for both urban and rural population to enhance awareness about oral cancer,” the Chief Minister said while addressing AIDM’s convocation-2016 here. He noted that the disease of oral cancer was fast spreading in our over-burdened working force because of the increasing use of betel nuts and Tobacco related stimulants, which are easily available in the market. These were hazardous to health and have caused serious concerns for the nation as a whole. On this occasion, 160 graduate students were given degrees and 24 students were awarded with gold and silver medals. Two top students of two benches would be honored as Best Graduates. Vice Chancellor of University of Karachi, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Qaiser praised AIDM faculty and administration’s efforts, dedication and selfless commitment for fulfilling the academic needs of the graduating students during their studies. He advised the students to use their academic knowledge and professional leadership qualities in the best interest of the nation. There are no short-cuts to success and you would have to face the challenges boldly while moving from one situation to another. KU’s Vice Chancellor also spoke of the university. It was committed to render quality medical and dental education to the students of medicine who choose to adopt this noble profession as their life-long passion. “We are cognizant of the high standards expected from us in imparting quality education to the students in pursuit of degrees from the University of Karachi,” he added. He assured that the university would continue to work hard to get higher standards of education in the province and strive to earn good name for the university. Principal of AIDM, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Altamash said that the institute had grown to a premier dental institute with the cooperation and support of all the stakeholders including University of Karachi. He informed that besides Bachelor of Dental Science (BDS), AIDM was successfully running postgraduate program in FCPS training , which was recognized as major qualification by College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPSP). The institute was also conducting Master of Dental Science (MDS), M.Sc and M.Phil programs in basic sciences and clinical subjects. All the training programs have been recognized by Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), he said. AIDM’s Principal said the institute had an international collaboration with Karolinska Institute in Sweden for Ph.D programs.