ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has called for a research-driven transformation of Pakistan’s child healthcare system, saying that the health of the nation’s children was not merely a health priority but the most important investment in Pakistan’s future.
He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 28th Biennial International Paediatric Conference as chief guest.
The three-day conference, organised by the Pakistan Paediatric Association (PPA) Federal Branch under the theme “Next-Generation Child Health Care: From Research to Excellence,” is being held in the federal capital after a gap of 10 years and is expected to draw more than 5,000 doctors and paediatric specialists from Pakistan and abroad.
Noting that over 48pc of Pakistan’s population is aged 18 or below, the Chairman Senate said the country’s demographic reality demands evidence-based interventions and coordinated national effort.
He acknowledged the progress made in reducing childhood mortality, including recent gains against stunting through social protection and nutrition initiatives, but warned that neonatal mortality, stunting, childhood obesity, diabetes, and persistent threats from vaccine-preventable diseases such as polio continue to require sustained attention.
According to a press release, Gilani emphasised strengthening neonatal services, routine immunisation, referral mechanisms and access to quality primary healthcare, alongside improved maternal and child nutrition.
He stressed that greater investment in young doctors and researchers was essential to build a homegrown evidence base that reflects Pakistan’s own conditions and resource realities.
The Senate chairmancommended the Pakistan Paediatric Association for convening national and international experts, and appreciated the contributions of the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA) and the University of Child Health Sciences in developing locally relevant clinical guidelines and promoting evidence-based medical practice.
Prof Dr Maqbool Hussain, President of the PPA Federal Branch and Chair of the Organising Committee, described the conference as an important platform for academic and research collaboration. “Every child deserves care based on the latest evidence,” he said.
Dr Raja Muhammad Imran, Co-Chair of the Organising Committee and Chief Media Coordinator, PPA Federal Branch, said the strong turnout reflected the medical community’s commitment to better child healthcare, adding that the conference recommendations would help shape future health policy.
Over the coming days, parallel sessions will address paediatric gastroenterology, critical care, endocrinology, haematology-oncology and infectious diseases. A dedicated session led by Prof Masood Sadiq and Dr Aamir Imdad of APPNA will review national pediatric clinical practice guidelines on convulsive status epilepticus, acute appendicitis, septic shock, organophosphorus poisoning and diabetic ketoacidosis in resource-limited settings.
Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2026
