MBBS Graduate with 29 Gold Medals Speaks Out on “Sifarish” Culture and Joblessness
Dr. Hafiz Waleed Malik, who graduated with an MBBS degree last year and has received 29 gold medals for his outstanding academic achievements, has recently revealed that he has been unable to secure a job in any hospital.
In response to a question on Instagram, Dr. Malik expressed his frustration, stating that despite applying to over 20 hospitals, he has not been able to find employment. He further asserted that the job market is predominantly influenced by “sifarish” (favoritism) rather than merit.
His Instagram story, containing his remarks, quickly went viral after it was shared by many individuals.
During an interview with the BBC, Dr. Malik explained that after completing his MBBS from Amiruddin Medical College in Lahore, he pursued a house job at the Lahore General Hospital. Following the completion of his house job, he began applying to private hospitals, as the recruitment process for government hospitals had not commenced at that time.
Addressing the prevailing recommendation culture that impedes job opportunities in the field of medicine in Pakistan, Dr. Malik acknowledged that positions are often not available in private hospitals, and when they are, medical graduates are typically hired based on recommendations from professors.
Dr. Malik emphasized that the “sifarish culture” is a reality in the country, affecting both regular students and top performers. He expressed his reluctance to gain viral attention on social media and instead advocated for a neutral and fair system in both public and private institutions.
The struggle faced by Dr. Malik highlights the challenges that many qualified individuals encounter in their quest for employment, and it sheds light on the need for reforms to ensure a merit-based job market within the medical profession in Pakistan.
