Policy dialogue on medical innovations ends

ABBOTTABAD: Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar organised a policy dialogue on medical advancements at the Institute of Health Sciences, Hazara here on Saturday.

The event was aimed at discussing recent developments in regenerative medicine, precision med­icine, nanomedicine and tele­medicine, and their potential to revolutionise

patient care.

Leading clinical practitioners and international experts shared their experiences and contributions in various fields. Prof Dr Ziaul Haq, the KMU vice-chancellor, chaired the event, while Prof Dr M Iqbal Chaudhary, coordinator general of COMSTECH, delivered the keynote speech.

Dr Sadia Fatima, director of the Institute of Health Sciences Hazara, welcomed the participants and explained the institute’s role in the region. In her presentation, she provided an overview of Khyber Medical University and its constituent institutions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, highlighting its vision to provide health education to the Hazara region.

Dr Sadia explained that the institute offers medical programmes at the undergraduate level and serves as a facilitation center for health professionals, including doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff, providing support and facilities in close proximity to KMU Peshawar. She mentioned that the institute is expected to act as a regional examination centre for all medical exams in the region in the near future.

The policy dialogue marked a significant step towards advancing medical research and development in Pakistan, with the potential to improve patient care and treatment outcomes. It provided a platform for knowledge sharing, discussing challenges, and establishing a roadmap for future research and development in the healthcare sector.

Participants discussed the latest developments in the health sector and shared their experiences.

The speakers, who presented their work on various medical advancements, included Dr Azra Mahmood, associate professor at CEMB Punjab University, and Prof Dr Huma Qureshi, National FP for Viral Hepatitis.

Dr Ming Li (PhD), associate professor at the School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, UNSW Sydney, presented her work on nanosensors, and Dr Yasar Yousafzai shared genetic research being undertaken at Khyber Medical University, Peshawar.

Dr Muhammad Ayaz, director of operations at JIC, assured support to KMU for advancing R&D work in Pakistan. Dr Jasim Anwar, sector specialist in health from the Planning Commission of Pakistan, shared the government’s 5E framework and how it can lead Pakistan to a trillion-dollar economy by 2050.

The event concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between KMU and JIC to develop collaboration in advanced medical fields in Pakistan.

The press release said the partnership aims to contribute to Pakistan’s development agenda, aligning with the government’s 5Es Framework for export-oriented growth, human development, reducing inequalities, and fostering public- private partnerships.