Call to promote quality medical research

LAHORE:Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has expressed optimism about the future of medical journalism in Pakistan, emphasising that promoting quality medical research is vital for improving healthcare standards. He noted that medical journalism plays a significant role in health policy-making, but Pakistani medical journals are struggling with issues related to research quality. He stressed the need for ensuring transparency in published research to enhance the credibility of journals on an international level.

He made these remarks while speaking at the inaugural session of the 6th National Conference of the Pakistan Association of Medical Editors, held at the University of Health Sciences (UHS) on Monday. The conference attracted a large number of editors, writers, and experts from medical journals across the country and focused on the theme ‘Enhancing the Quality of Medical Journals in the Region.’

The event featured UHS Vice Chancellor Prof Ahsan Waheed Rathore, Fatima Jinnah Medical University Vice Chancellor Prof Khalid Masood Gondal, King Edward Medical University Vice Chancellor Prof Mahmood Ayyaz, UHS Pro-Vice Chancellor and conference organising committee chairperson Prof Nadia Naseem, WHO representative Dr Naveed Asghar, PAME President Prof SH Waqar, EMAME Secretary Shaukat Ali Jawaid, and HEC Journals Committee Chairperson Prof Muhammad Aslam.

During the ceremony, lifetime achievement awards were presented to Prof Muhammad Aslam, Prof Fatima Jawad, and Shaukat Ali Jawaid in recognition of their outstanding contributions to medical editing.

Addressing the conference, UHS Vice Chancellor Prof Ahsan Waheed Rathore announced the establishment of a separate department for medical journalism at the university, with medical research writing now included in postgraduate courses. He highlighted that 176 institutions affiliated with UHS have the capacity to publish hundreds of research papers annually.

Fatima Jinnah Medical University Vice Chancellor Prof Khalid Masood Gondal described quality as a continuous process and stated that while artificial intelligence cannot replace doctors, future success will belong to those who can effectively use this technology.

King Edward Medical University Vice Chancellor Prof Mahmood Ayyaz emphasised that the benefits of medical research should reach the general public. He pointed out that merely publishing research papers is not enough; data accuracy and utility are also crucial. He revealed that his university's medical journal recently achieved an impact factor after 39 years.

The conference featured presentations on various important topics, including ‘Medical Journalism in the Era of Social Media, Publication Ethics in Pakistan, Challenges of Preprint Publication, Artificial Intelligence Platforms as substitute of Editors, Evidence-Based Medical Journalism, and Credibility of Scientific Journals.’ Additionally, a poster competition on medical research and journalism was held, with active participation from students.

Prof Farhad Handjani, President of Eastern Mediterranean Association of Medical Editors (EMAME), addressed the conference via a video link from Iran, while Prof Khalid Saeed Khan from the University of Granada, Spain, delivered a keynote talk on ‘Responsible Medical Research and Publication.’