PMA to hold grand medical congress in collaboration with China next year

Karachi
The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) on Monday announced the establishment of a ‘Pak–China Medical Corridor’ following a conference held with the China Medical Association (CMA) in order to utilise the vast medical and economic potential of the two countries.
The idea to set up such a platform was conceived by the PMA following a fruitful correspondence with the CMA; both the health bodies decided to organise the first-ever Pak-China Medical Congress from January 8 to 10, 2016 in Karachi.
The joint conference would commemorate the historic China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the PMA officials said, adding that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif would be invited to inaugurate the event.
Addressing a news conference at the PMA House senior PMA official Prof Dr Tipu Sultan emphasised the need for both the countries’ medical professionals to enhance cooperation and learn from each other’s advancements in the field.
Speaking at the event, PMA Secretary General Dr Mirza Ali Azhar appreciated China for being a leading manufacturer and exporter of medical equipment globally on prices affordable for countries like Pakistan.
“They have world class physicians, surgeons and experts in the field of medicine while they are way ahead in the field of research in the area of medicine and diseases.”
Health experts would also be called in from other countries who were members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation to deliver lectures on different topics of common interest and to share their vast experience and knowledge,” he added.
Plenary sessions over important medical issues such as organ transplants, blindness, pain burden and Acu-puncture along with the increase in diseases such as trauma, impotency and brain tumours would be held at a local hotel whereas medical issues pertaining to socio-cultural taboos and community awareness sessions such as birth control, maternal and child health, reproductive health, sexually transmitted diseases would be held at the Arts Council whereas sessions focusing on economic benefits with respect to the collaboration of the countries would be organised at the PMA House, Dr Mirza informed.
All scientific sessions, seminars and workshops would be recognised under the Continuous Medical Education (CME) programme; the CME’s credit hours would also be awarded to participants.
Other senior PMA officials, including Dr Idrees Adhi and Dr Qaiser Sajjad, were also present at the press conference.