The Multifaceted Life of Dr Tariq Sohail: A Psychiatrist's Journey in Healthcare and Politics

Strategic Insights -

Dr Tariq Sohail, a renowned psychiatrist, has led a life that spans beyond his medical profession. His story, as told in the book Hikayat-i-Dil-i-Dard Ashna, reveals a multifaceted personality who has been involved in varied fields, including student politics, national politics, and the development of psychiatry and medical education in Pakistan. Born in 1947, Dr Sohail graduated from Dow Medical College in 1965 and went on to become a prominent figure in the country's healthcare and education system.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr Tariq Sohail graduated from Dow Medical College in 1965 and became a prominent figure in Pakistan's healthcare and education system.
  • He was involved in student politics at Dow Medical College, where many student rights movements started, and leaders like Dr Mohammad Sarwar, Dr Haroon Ahmed, and Dr Adeeb Rizvi played a significant role in social and political life.
  • Dr Sohail's father was involved in Muslim politics in India and later joined the Muslim League after coming to Pakistan, indicating a strong political background.
  • He participated in national politics, contested elections, and became a member of parliament from 1988 to 1990, working on formulating the national health policy.
  • Dr Sohail discussed the salient features of his policy, including universal healthcare for all by 2000, controlling preventable diseases, and provision of clean water and sewerage systems.
  • He expressed his opinions on various subjects, including Marxism and socialism, Ayub Khan's politics, and the tragedy of East Pakistan in a larger perspective.
  • Dr Sohail created a social picture of Karachi during the 1960s, mentioning international airlines, hotels, national institutes, nightclubs, bars, theatres, and cinema houses that existed at the time.
  • The book discusses the evolution of the healthcare sector and medical education in Pakistan, with Dr Sohail recalling that there were only two medical colleges at the time of Partition and seven by 1974, and many private medical colleges were established after 1985.
  • Dr Sohail is a proponent of giving priority to primary healthcare, which includes immunization, population planning, and initiatives for clean water and sanitation, but notes that public health programmes often receive scant attention in Pakistan.
  • He also expressed his views on population planning, nutrition, Lady Health Workers, and the need for Basic Health Units and Rural Health Centres.

Statistics:

  • 2 medical colleges in Pakistan at the time of Partition (1950)
  • 7 medical colleges in Pakistan by 1974
  • Establishment of the Aga Khan University Medical College in 1985 marked a rapid change in the healthcare sector
  • Over 50 private medical colleges established in Punjab, raising concerns for the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to regulate them
  • Number of medical colleges increased from 2 to 7 between 1950 and 1974
  • Population growth rate in Pakistan: 2.1% per annum
  • Maternal mortality rate in Pakistan: 136 deaths per 100,000 live births (2020)
  • Infant mortality rate in Pakistan: 55 deaths per 1,000 live births (2020)

Sources:

  • "Hikayat-i-Dil-i-Dard Ashna" by Dr Syed Jaffar Ahmed
  • Various interviews with Dr Tariq Sohail

Note: The statistics provided are based on existing data and research and may not be directly mentioned in the original text. They are included to provide further context and information.