FIVE more students in Pakistan are on their way to becoming doctors thanks to a generous scholarship programme launched by UK doctors.

The FAMS - Financial Assistance for Medical Students - scheme, launched early last year by a group of doctors based in the north-west, awards scholarships to poor students in Pakistan who are unable to pay for their fees.

Earlier this year, FAMS board of trustees approved names of five students from Rawalpindi Medical College (RMC). These names were provided by the principal, Dr Mussadiq Khan, following careful selection by the college scholarship committee. The tuition fee for these five students was transferred into the college account from Manchester.

And now, another five lucky students from the same college will also benefit from the scheme.

Said FAMS board member, Dr Amir Ayub: "The rise in the tuition fee plus the soaring cost of living in Pakistan has hit hard these talented students coming from families with financial constraints.

"We aim to help these students so that they can continue their studies without the threat of abandoning in the middle of their five-year long medical course. We recently received requests for financial assistance for five more students from RMC who are in dire need of help for the academic year commencing 2008.

"The applications of these students was carefully considered and board members unanimously approved the names of the recommended five students. The members of the board were also informed that most of these students live in hostels and have requested for help in the hostel fee as well.

"The board considered the request as these students come from remote areas and cannot afford the hostel expenses. The board, therefore, approved the release of funds for the hostel fee as well in the financial package provided to these students."

All the students will be provided financial assistance until they graduate.