British-Pakistani psychiatrist honoured with prestigious award

In a moment of pride for the Pakistani mental health community, British-Pakistani psychiatrist Prof Ahmed Ali Khan, vice chancellor of the Tony Buzan Academy, received the prestigious Brain of the Year Award at a special dinner hosted at the House of Lords in London, the Pakistan Psychiatric Society (PPS) said on Monday.

This accolade recognizes Prof Khan’s exceptional contributions to the field of mental health, reflecting his dedication to advancing care and research, the PPS said in a statement. The award was presented during a global symposium titled "Bridging the East & West: Prioritising Global Health, Wellbeing, Education, and Research", held at the Royal Society of Medicine in London. The event commemorated World Mental Health Day 2024, highlighting the theme "It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace”.

As a distinguished professor at Jinnah Sindh Medical University and Dean of the Tony Buzan Academy, Prof M. Iqbal Afridi, had the honour of participating in discussions alongside leading experts from Pakistan and the UK.

“Together, we explored innovative strategies and collaborative efforts to address pressing health challenges, particularly in the realm of mental health and education,” Prof Afridi said. Notable presentations included those by Prof Raymond Keene OBE, who emphasized the influence of Eastern intellectual traditions on modern mental health practices, and Prof Michael A. Crawford, who called for urgent action to address the global crisis in brain health.

The symposium not only celebrated individual achievements but also set the stage for future initiatives, including the establishment of new centres of excellence in Pakistan. These centers aim to enhance mental health care across subspecialties, paving the way for a more integrated approach to health and wellbeing.

The presence of Dr. Muhammad Faisal, Pakistan’s high commissioner in the UK, further underscored the importance of collaborative efforts. He emphasized the need for preventive care to address the psychological impacts of social issues, including addiction and refugee influx, in Pakistan.

“As we move forward, the collective commitment to prioritizing mental health in workplaces and beyond remains a crucial goal for all stakeholders. The symposium marks a significant step toward a healthier, more resilient future for global health and wellbeing,” Prof Iqbal Afridi maintained.