The News journalist honoured with Health Journalism Award

Senior health journalist M Waqar Bhatti was awarded the prestigious Health Journalism Award at the 6th International Medical Research Conference (IMRC) on Sunday in recognition of his outstanding contributions to health and medical reporting in Pakistan.

The award was presented by the Health Research Advisory Board (HealthRAB), which annually recognises excellence in health journalism and medical research.

Currently serving as a correspondent for The News International and Geo News, Bhatti was honoured for his commitment to evidence-based and public interest reporting during his journalistic career spanning over 25 years.

He has consistently highlighted critical gaps in Pakistan’s healthcare system, reporting on infectious disease outbreaks, non-communicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance, mental health and the country’s efforts to eradicate polio.

The award ceremony was inaugurated by Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and attended by leading healthcare professionals from Pakistan and abroad.

Lifetime achievement awards were also conferred upon senior medical professionals, including Prof Tipu Sultan, renowned neurologist Prof Muhammad Wasey, ICCBS Director Prof Dr Muhammad Raza Shah, and Vice Chancellor of Khyber Medical University (KMU) Prof Zia ul Haq.

Awards were presented by HealthRAB patron Prof Dr Abdul Ghaffar Billoo, Prof Abdul Basit, Dr Zakiuddin Ahmed, Dr Shahid Noor and Prof Iqbal Afridi to the recipients for their remarkable contributions to health care and research.