Ambala: As a goodwill gesture, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) today (Dec 11, 2003) offered to perform two cardiac and knee replacement surgeries each on Pakistani patients free of cost every year.

"IMAs of the two countries have pledged to provide quality treatment to the poor and needy on both sides of the border through exchange of technical expertise and enhanced cooperation at various levels," Dr D S Jaspal of Haryana unit of IMA, said in Ambala after attending the International Conference of General Medical Practitioners at Lahore.

He said doctors of Pakistan were of the view that medical fraternity should not be subjected to territorial restrictions, as they were meant to serve humanity.

An IMA delegation comprising 34 doctors of Haryana, Punjab, Delhi and other parts of country were in Pakistan from December 7 to 9 on a peace and good will mission cum study tour on the invitation of Pakistan Medical Council.

Earlier this year, the heart surgeries performed on two Pakistani children had received nationwide sympathy.

PTI