Harnessing AI potential crucial for progress: Kh Salman

LAHORE:Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has stressed that harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) potential is crucial for progress and it will open up new pathways for development.

He said this while speaking at the Annual International Medical, Educational and Research Scientific Conference 2024 of Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU) on Thursday. The provincial minister highlighted the significance of AI in revolutionising medical education and practice. He emphasised that AI will greatly benefit students in their learning journey and doctors in their profession.

The minister announced that Fatima Jinnah Medical University will soon launch an artificial intelligence programme, underscoring the institution's commitment to embracing this advance technology. The conference was organised in collaboration with Alumni Associations Fatima Jinnah Medical College Alumni Association of North America (FJMCAANA) and Association of Fatima Jinnah Old Graduates (AFJOG), UK. This international conference brought together renowned medical professionals, educators, and researchers from around the world to share knowledge, expertise, and best practices in medical education, research, and healthcare.

Several guests, including Parliamentary Secretary Health Medium Rushda Lodhi, Vice Chancellor (KEMU) Prof Mehmood Ayaz, Prof Aamir Zaman Khan, Dr. Warda Shafi, Syndicate Member Mr. Syed Farrukh Ali Shah, Prof Abdul Majeed Chaudhry, Prof Sajid Maqbool, President (KEMCAANA) Dr Shehzad Khan, Prof Aftab Chaudhry, Prof Kamran Khalid Khawaja, Prof Shamsa Humayun, Prof Munazza Iqbal, Prof Noreen Akmal, and Dr Munira Ahmed attended the inaugural ceremony. Prof Ayesha Malik, Principal Prof Abdul Hameed, Prof Bilqis Shabbir, Prof M Nadeem, Deans Prof Alia Zahid, Prof Naveed Akbar Hotyana, Dr Saima Chaudhry, faculty members and a large number of students participated from the university.

Their active participation in the inaugural ceremony of the Annual International Scientific Conference 2024 showcased the university's commitment to medical education, research, and innovation.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal acknowledged the significance of artificial intelligence in assisting medical experts, rather than replacing them. He expressed gratitude for the unparalleled services of the Fatima Jinnah Medical College Alumni Associations.

Dr Khalid Masood Gondal highlighted the pre-conference workshops organised by Fatima Jinnah Medical University, focusing on the latest aspects of medicine, education, and research. He delivered a comprehensive lecture on the importance of career counselling in Pakistan. He enables the students to align their decision-making, skills, and interests with emerging opportunities in the country. He emphasised the need for career counselling services in Pakistan, particularly in the context of the country's growing youth population and evolving job market.

Rushda Lodhi said that educational institutions have a lot to teach us. The use of artificial intelligence is increasing day by day and man is progressing through innovation, but artificial intelligence would be nothing without humans. Prof Mahmood Ayaz acknowledged the significance of artificial intelligence in today's era. He emphasised the vital role of affiliates and Alumni in providing valuable insights and expertise to organisations. He credited Prof Khalid Masud Gondal's vision and efforts for putting the university on the world map, making him a role model for others.