Thought-provoking Seminar Centered on the Instrumental Role of Women in the Health Workforce

King Edward Medical University marked its 163 years of academic excellence with a thought-provoking seminar centered on the instrumental role of Women in the Health Workforce. This seminar highlighted the significant contributions of women in Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Pandemic Response Strategies.
This significant event was made possible through the concerted efforts of King Edward Medical University in collaboration with several esteemed organizations including Women in Global Health Pakistan Chapter, King Edward Medical College Alumni Association of North America (KEMCAANA), King Edward Medical College Alumni Association UK (KEMCA UK), Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA), Women and Child Welfare Association Pakistan, alongside two key players in global health- the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF. This alliance underscored a collective commitment to spotlight the critical role of women in health and medicine.
Under the patronage of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Mahmood Ayyaz, the seminar was expertly orchestrated by the Chief Organizer, Prof. Dr. Saira Afzal, Dean of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, King Edward Medical University.
The event was graced by esteemed guests, including Dr. Shabnum Sarfraz, the Global Director of Gender and Health and the Co-Founder and Deputy Executive Director of Women in Global Health (Pakistan Chapter); Mariam Khalid, MD, a Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine and faculty at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Dr. Shehla Javed Akram, Founder President of the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, CEO of various organizations, and Prof. Dr. Tehreem Fatima, Professor of Anatomy, Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore. The Chief Guest of the Seminar was Prof. Dr. Attiya Mubarak Khalid, Ex-Chairperson of Punjab Healthcare Commission, and Professor of Anatomy, King Edward Medical University, Lahore. Special guests included Ms Saima Saeed Secretary Special Education, Ms. Saima Ahad, Chief Legal Officer (CLO), Universal Service Fund (USF) Central Superior Services of Pakistan, Islamabad; Prof. Dr. Raafea Tafweez Kuraishi, Ex-Dean Basic Sciences and Chair of Anatomy, King Edward Medical University, Lahore; Prof Tehreem HOD Anatomy Department Services Institute of Medical Sciences; Prof. Dr. Munazza Iqbal, Dean Basic Sciences and Allied Specialties, Dean of Undergraduates, Chairperson of Pathology, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore; and Prof. Dr. Shamsa Humayun, Ex-Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore; Prof Bilquis Shabbir Dean of Nursing, Director Quality Enhancement Cell, Professor of Medicine Fatima Jinnah Medical University.
The moderators were Prof Nazish Imran, Professor of Child Psychiatry, King Edward Medical University; Dr Saira Tariq Associate Professor Department of Community Medicine King Edward Medical University, Lahore.
The international seminar was a confluence of experts from across the globe and a tribute to the women innovating the landscape of healthcare. Among the esteemed panel of experts were Dr. Tabinda Dugal, Chairperson KEMCA-UK Consultant Endocrinologist, Royal Cornwall Hospital NHS Trust, UK; Prof. Dr. Fariha Farooq, Co-Chairperson, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College, Lahore; Prof. Dr. Mahwish Arooj, Principal, Professor of Physiology, University College of Medicine and Dentistry, Lahore; Maj. Gen. Shehla Baqai, Hilal-e-Imtiaz Military, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, CMH, Lahore; Prof. Dr. Nabila Talat, Dean Faculty of Surgery and Allied, Principal Allied Health Sciences, Professor of Pediatric Surgery, The Children’s Hospital, Lahore; Prof. Dr. Tayyiba Wasim, Vice Principal, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore; Prof. Dr. Zohra Khanum, Chairperson, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Superintendent, Lady Willingdon Hospital, Lahore; Prof. Dr. Ayesha Humayun, Vice Principal, Professor of Public Health and Community Medicine, SKZMC, Sheikh Zayed Post-Graduate Medical Institute, Lahore; Prof. Dr. Bilquis Shabbir, Chairperson, Department of Medicine, Director QEC, Dean Faculty of Nursing, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore; Prof. Dr. Nazish Imran, Professor of Child and Family Psychiatry, King Edward Medical University, Lahore; Prof. Dr. Shamila Ijaz Munir, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore; Prof. Dr. Iftikhar Ijaz, Professor of Pediatrics and Head of the Children’s Kidney Center, King Edward Medical University, Mayo Hospital, Lahore; Dr. Wajiha Rizwan, Associate Professor of Paediatric Medicine, The Children Hospital, Lahore; Dr. Somia Iqtadar, Associate Professor of Medicine, Secretary General Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Mayo Hospital, Lahore; Dr. Faiza Abrar, Associate Professor of Biochemistry, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore, Dr Noor Ul Ain HOD Biochemistry Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Dr Taskeen Zahra HOD Community Medicine FJMU and several others.
The seminar explored essential areas of women’s health. Topics varied from the role of telemedicine, burnout in female postgraduate residents, work-life balance, and women’s leadership in healthcare, to current matters like the influence of climate change on women’s health and the relevance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in women’s healthcare. Each expert and special guest offered unique and vital perspectives, contributing to the comprehensive understanding of women’s roles in the health workforce.
The august gathering in the collective spirit of the central theme paid homage to Prof. Dr. Seemin Jamali (Late). Dr. Saira Tariq, Associate Professor of Community Medicine, and Dr. Ramsha Mushtaq Khan adeptly facilitated the discussion and ensured a smooth and engaging seminar experience for all participants.
As the seminar drew to a close, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Mahmood Ayyaz, delivered an inspiring closing address. Acknowledging the remarkable discussions and insights brought forward, he expressed sincere appreciation for all the dedicated individuals who contributed to the event’s success. The event concluded with the distribution of souvenirs to the esteemed guests as tokens of gratitude for their invaluable contributions.
King Edward Medical University expresses sincere appreciation to all the esteemed guests, speakers, attendees, and collaborators who contributed to the success of this event.