PESHAWAR: The third International Conference on Health Research – 2025 (ICHR-25) opened here on Friday with a powerful call for collaboration, innovation, and leadership in healthcare.

Over 2,000 participants, including renowned national and international scientists, gathered here for what organisers have called the most ambitious edition to date.

A statement issued here said the three-day event, hosted by Rehman College of Dentistry (RCD), is a strategic effort to elevate health research in Pakistan and beyond. Featuring scientific panels and interdisciplinary workshops, the conference is a critical platform for reshaping the national healthcare narrative.

The conference was officially inaugurated by Prof Khalid Masood Gondal, Vice-Chancellor of Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore.

Chairman Rehman Medical Institute (RMI) Prof Mohammad Rehman, chief executive officer RMI Shafiqueur Rehman, Principal RCD Prof Ghulam Rasool, Chairman ICHR Dr Naseer Ahmad, and senior faculty members from across RMI institutions were in attendance.

On the occasion, Prof Rasool termed the conference a “collaborative inquiry into the future of healthcare,” adding that the aim is to share knowledge, challenge outdated perspectives, and foster partnerships across borders and disciplines.

Prof Gondal commended ICHR-25’s interdisciplinary nature and the pre-conference workshops that unified professionals from diverse sectors.

Prof Rehman reflected on RMI’s journey, calling for a proactive approach in healthcare: “We must act before the disease strikes.”

KMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Ziaul Haq emphasised the importance of research that serves the public directly, praising Prof Rehman’s legacy and announcing his recognition at Islamia College University.

RMI CEO Shafiqueur Rehman stressed, “We’re not here just to produce healthcare professionals — we are here to raise leaders.” He highlighted initiatives like the Health Card Programme and RMI Relief, reaffirming: “Healthcare is not a privilege — it is a right.”

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2025