5 doctors get awards at APPNA convention in US

NEW YORK: The Association of Pakistani Physicians in North America (APPNA) held its annual convention at a resort in the suburbs of Washington from July 3 to 7, and gave awards to its five member doctors for their extraordinary services in different medical fields.

According to the Association officials, the convention was attended by more doctors this year, as a significant increase was witnessed in its membership throughout the year. New members actively participated in the Association activities to provide the organisation with new leadership.

The award committee also announced the ‘APPNA Dost’ award for Texas-based Pakistani origin businessman Tanvir Ahmad. Dr Sher Shah Syed was given the ‘Literacy Award’ for writing books on women health in Urdu, while Dr Ayesha Zafar was awarded for serving humanity.

Dr Saeed Akhtar, chairman of Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) Lahore, was given an award for serving the human beings in the best manner through transplant of liver and kidneys. Talking to the reporter, he said he loved serving his Pakistani brothers and sisters. He said free-of-cost services were being provided to patients at PAKI Lahore currently. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was going to launch a campaign against hepatitis C from July 29, and he would supervise that campaign after his return from the USA.

Former president of APPNA, Dr Salman Javed, was given ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his services in getting a university status for the Sindh Medical College, and serving APPNA actively in the past. This year, ‘APPNA Gold Medal’ was awarded to Dr. Nasim Shekhani, over his services for suffering humanity in poor and neglected areas of Karachi, silently and selflessly for years. He played a key role in attracting the youth of kutchi abadi Lyari in Karachi towards playing football and taking part in other constructive activities.