The 3rd Annual BurnCon 2025 has officially commenced under the auspices of the Mayo Burn & Plastic Surgery Centre, King Edward Medical University (KEMU), Lahore, in collaboration with the Pakistan Burn Association and the Pakistan Association of Plastic Surgeons (PAPS).
The four-day program, being held from 25 to 28 September, features a diverse range of scientific sessions, educational activities, and public awareness initiatives. This comprehensive event aims to enhance knowledge, skills, and awareness related to burn care, prevention, and rehabilitation, engaging healthcare professionals, policymakers, students, and the general public.
The opening day began with a Burn Awareness Walk and a Burn Prevention Art Exhibition, which saw enthusiastic participation from students, faculty members, Rescue 1122, medical experts, civil society, and burn survivors. Through creative artworks and video presentations, the exhibition highlighted preventive measures, first aid, and safety practices to reduce burn-related risks.
The Chief Guests of the inaugural ceremony included Prof. Khalid Masood Gondal President, College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) and Vice Chancellor, Fatima Jinnah Medical University and Prof. Mahmood Ayaz Vice Chancellor, King Edward Medical University (Sitara-e-Imtiaz).
Other distinguished guests included Prof. Abdul Hakeem Babur Pioneer of Plastic Surgery in Punjab & Chief Patron, Pakistan Burn Association; Prof. Moazzam Nazeer Tarar Founding Director, Jinnah Burn & Reconstructive Surgery Centre; Prof. Saira Afzal Dean, Institute of Public Health, Lahore; Ms. Samina Manzar Chairperson, Burn & Children Care Charity Organization; Ms. Jehan Ara Wattoo – Vice Chairperson, Punjab Social Protection Authority; Ms. Musarrat Misbah Founder, Depilex Smile Again Foundation; and Ms. Roohi Maqbool Coordinator, Médecins du Monde (France) and Dr. Foaad Shahzad Mirza Divisional Emergency Officer (Rescue 1122).
The program began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the screening of a documentary film presented by Prof. Mustehsan Bashir, Head of the Burn Centre, Mayo Hospital and Chief Organizer of the event. The documentary showcased Pakistan’s largest burn unit, focusing on burn prevention, patient care, and the latest treatment protocols.
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐆𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐥, 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐏𝐒𝐏 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐉𝐌𝐔, highlighted the academic value of such programs, stating: Scientific and public awareness initiatives of this kind raise the standards of medical education and provide young doctors with opportunities to learn the latest trends in burn care.
𝐈𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐤𝐞𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐀𝐲𝐚𝐳, 𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐄𝐌𝐔, emphasized that burn injuries remain a major public health challenge in Pakistan and worldwide. He highlighted: Burn prevention and timely awareness can save thousands of lives. At KEMU and the Mayo Burn & Plastic Surgery Centre, we are not only providing state-of-the-art treatment but also promoting global-standard training and awareness to meet this challenge. Our focus must extend beyond treatment to prevention and education so that society can be protected from the dangers of burns.
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐚 𝐀𝐟𝐳𝐚𝐥, 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐧, 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡, 𝐋𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞, underlined the wider public health implications of burn injuries: Burn prevention is not solely the responsibility of medical professionals; it is a comprehensive public health challenge that requires awareness, the active role of educational institutions, and community participation. Conferences like BurnCon remind us that prevention is always better than cure, and timely awareness can save countless lives.
𝐃𝐫. 𝐅𝐨𝐚𝐚𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐡𝐳𝐚𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐫𝐳𝐚 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫 (𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝟏𝟏𝟐𝟐), added: Rescue 1122 is the largest emergency management service in the country, providing first aid to thousands of burn patients every year. Prevention and public education are just as vital as modern treatment facilities. Collaboration between academic institutions, burn units, and emergency services is essential to ensuring a safer future for our communities.
At the closing of the inaugural session, honorary shields were presented to chief guests, distinguished speakers, and special participants, including a young burn survivor. Prizes were also distributed among students who participated in various academic and creative competitions.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧:
The 3rd Annual BurnCon 2025 reaffirms that burn injuries are not only a medical issue but also a significant social and public health concern. Effective prevention, awareness, and rehabilitation alongside modern treatment are crucial to addressing this challenge. The joint efforts of King Edward Medical University, Mayo Burn & Plastic Surgery Centre, and national institutions stand as a testament to their commitment in combining advanced facilities, scientific research, and public education to create a safer and healthier society.