Indian docs will not attend Saarca in Karachi

Karachi, Jan 23: Indian doctors would not be visiting Pakistan to attend the 8th congress of the South Asian Association of Regional Co-operation Association of Anesthesiologists (Saarcaa) to be held in Karachi, The News reported.

Members of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) said that the Indian Government is not ready to allow the doctors to visit Pakistan amidst the current tension between both the countries.

The members expressed disappointment over India's decision of not letting the anesthesiologists to participate in the conference. They said that the participation of Indian doctors would have helped Pakistani anesthesiologists to gain knowledge about the latest developments in the field of anesthesia.

The research papers of the Indian doctors would have opened new doors in the field of anesthesia in Pakistan, ultimately benefiting the people of Pakistan, where the situation is very precarious with only one anesthesiologist for 0.22 million people.

"This decision is regrettable. Since 1991 (when Saarcaa was established) we have been moving as a family," member of the PMA Prof Saeeda Haider said.

She added that Pakistan is willing to issue visas to the Indian doctors also.

The conference will begin on Feb 5 and is scheduled to conclude on Feb 8.

ANI