PESHAWAR: Speakers at a conference organised by Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) on Monday called for greater emphasis on academic research to improve clinical services in line with international standards through the adoption of modern techniques and technologies.
The maiden three-day multidisciplinary conference – LRH-CON 2026 – coincided with the completion of 100 years of LRH, the province’s oldest healthcare institution, according to a press release issued here.
Prof Sahibzada Mahmood Noor, Dean and Chief Executive Officer of LRH, organised the conference with the collective efforts of teams led by Dr Ibrar Ahmed and Dr Syed Imran Bukhari, respectively.
Oncologist Prof Abid Jameel, Chairman of the Board of Governors of Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, emphasised the importance of conducting research in the local context to determine the extent and causes of public health problems and devising appropriate corrective measures based on research findings.
Higher Education Commission Executive Director Prof Ziaul Haq emphasised that medical education and research must go hand in hand to improve the quality of healthcare services. He stressed the need to strengthen the research culture in medical institutions, promote innovation and equip future healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills required to meet emerging challenges in the health sector.
LRH Board of Governors Chairman Prof Nausherwan Burki said the hospital’s focus was on research, upgrading existing facilities and expanding healthcare services in response to the continuously increasing influx of patients. He said LRH served as a model for other hospitals in the province.
Others who spoke at the conference included Prof Amer Aziz, Prof Ghulam Shabir, Prof Farhat Moazam, Prof Zainab Samad, Prof Abrar A Qureshi, Prof Natasha Anwar, Prof Faisal Jahangiri, Prof Junaid Sarfaraz Khan, Prof Zabita Khan Shinwari, Prof Abdul Bari Khan, Dr Chris Schmotzer and Dr Umapathi N Thirugnanam.
Held under the theme “Advancing Scientific Frontiers: Translating Research into Cure,” the conference brought together approximately 750 registered delegates, providing a platform for diverse perspectives, meaningful academic exchange and discussions extending beyond the traditional boundaries of medicine.
Discussions covered a wide range of subjects, including leadership, professionalism, ethics and philanthropy, as well as the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, the role of arts in supporting physicians and emerging frontiers in genomics.
By bringing these diverse subjects under one roof, the conference sought to promote a broader understanding of medicine and the various forces shaping its future.
Recognising research as an essential driver of progress, the conference also provided a platform for researchers, clinicians and trainees to showcase their work through oral abstract presentations and scientific posters.
The sessions highlighted innovative ideas, ongoing research and the efforts of healthcare professionals to translate scientific inquiry into improved patient care.
Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2026
