LAHORE: The two-day PGMI M-CON 2025 organised by the Postgraduate Medical Institute (PGMI) on Wednesday saw a large participation of senior medical teachers, including heads of public and private sector teaching institutions of the province.

Addressing the gathering on the first day of the conference at the Lahore General Hospital (LGH), the medical experts highlighted the critical role of advanced research and quality leadership in strengthening Pakistan’s healthcare system.

Renowned medical scientist and pioneer of test-tube baby technology Prof Rashid Latif Khan said the PGMI faculty had earned global recognition. He said young doctors must now align themselves with international medical advancements to provide world-class healthcare facilities to the public.

Ameeruddin Medical College Principal Prof Dr Farooq Afzal stressed that effective clinical decisions were impossible without research. He urged doctors to adopt evidence-based research as an integral part of their professional training, stating that quality education and internationally recognised research were vital for the nation’s brighter future.

Former Health minister Prof Javed Akram, Dr Shabana Haider, Prof Tariq Salahuddin, Prof Sardar Muhammad Al-Farid Zafar, Prof Muhammad Nazir and Punjab Institute of Neuro Sciences Executive Director Prof Asif Bashir lauded PGMI’s academic and research contributions and expressed hope that the presented research papers would serve as a guiding light for young doctors.

Speakers highlighted the importance of quality leadership, noting that ethical and research-driven leadership strengthens healthcare institutions, as medical decisions directly impact human lives. They said that strong leadership ensures discipline and improved patient care in hospitals.

Prof Afzal presented commemorative shields to the guests and reaffirmed PGMI’s commitment to promoting medical education, research, and quality leadership through future academic initiatives.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2025