KARACHI: The publication of calendars has undergone a complete transformation over the last two decades. In the past, calendars typically featured photographs of film actresses, scenic landscapes, or architectural landmarks. However, PharmEvo introduced the tradition of conducting research and selecting a theme for its calendars, making them a valuable source of information for society which is now being followed by many others. This approach enriched Calendar content, turning them into a part of literary and academic discourse.
Otsuka, the renowned Japanese pharmaceutical company operating in Pakistan, continued this tradition last year by featuring distinguished medical professionals in its planner, highlighting their contributions to medical education and healthcare. Building on that initiative, this year, Otsuka has selected twelve Living Legends of Healthcare in Pakistan, showcasing their remarkable achievements in the field. Many of these individuals have been honored with prestigious awards and national recognition from the Government of Pakistan.
The planner’s first page features Prof. Syed Adibul Hassan Rizvi, a world-renowned Pakistani urologist and the founder of the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT), established in 1971. Today, SIUT stands as South Asia’s largest provider of free healthcare.
The following distinguished medical professionals have also been featured in the planner:
Prof. Tariq Iqbal Bhutta, a renowned pediatrician, has served in various prestigious positions, including Principal of Nishtar Medical College, Multan; Councilor at the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP); President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC); and President of the Pakistan Paediatric Association.
Dr. Abdul Bari Khan, a consultant cardiovascular surgeon and prominent philanthropist, is the founder of the Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN). Today, IHHN manages thirteen healthcare facilities across Sindh and Punjab through public-private partnerships.
Prof. Syed Tipu Sultan, a consultant anesthetist, has served as the Principal of Dow Medical College and the founding Principal of Bahria University Medical & Dental College. He was also a Counselor at CPSP. Currently, he is the Chancellor of Malir University of Science and Technology and President of the Zafar & Atia Foundation Charitable Hospital.
Prof. S.M. Wasim Jafri, a consultant Hepatologist and Gastroenterologist at Aga Khan University, has served as the Governor of the American College of Gastroenterology in Pakistan. He also contributed to the WHO 2014 Guidelines on Chronic Hepatitis C.
Prof. Surgeon M. Rehman, a renowned cardiac surgeon, served at NICVD for many years, training a large number of cardiac surgeons. He was the founding President of the Pakistan Society of Cardiovascular and Cardiothoracic Surgeons. After retiring, he established the Rehman Medical Institute (RMI) in Peshawar, which has now evolved into a major medical complex housing multiple healthcare institutions.
Prof. Javed Akram has revolutionized the field of internal medicine by establishing the Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine. He has served as the Principal of Allama Iqbal Medical College, founding Vice Chancellor of SZABMU (Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University), Islamabad, and Vice Chancellor of UHS, Lahore. He played a crucial role in promoting medical journalism in Pakistan by introducing the Certificate Course in Medical Editing and the Certificate Course in Journalism and Medical Editing (CMJE) at UHS in collaboration with the Pakistan Association of Medical Editors (PAME). Currently, he serves as the President of the Society of Novel and Rare Diseases (SNARE).
Prof. Muazzamuddin Ahmed, a gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, has been selected from Baluchistan. He has served as the President of the Pakistan Society of Gastroenterology & GI Endoscopy (PSG & GI Endoscopy).
Prof. Maj. Gen. Tassawar Hussain, a specialist in internal medicine and gastroenterology, has remained affiliated with Foundation University Medical College, Islamabad, as Professor and Head of the Department of Medicine. He has also served as an Associate Dean.
Prof. A. Almani, a distinguished physician, has held key positions, including Principal of Liaquat Medical College, Jamshoro, and Dow Medical College, Karachi. He has also served as the Health Secretary for the Sindh province.
Prof. Muhammad Umar, a renowned gastroenterologist, has served as the Principal of Rawalpindi Medical College and was later appointed as the Vice Chancellor of Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU). Under his leadership, RMU has made significant progress.
Prof. Abdul Majeed Chaudhry, a consultant surgeon, has served as the Principal of Fatima Jinnah Medical College, Lahore, and was affiliated with King Edward Medical College for many years. He also established the Annals of KEMU, served as the President of the SAARC Surgical Care Society, and is currently the Principal of Lahore Medical & Dental College.
By recognizing these distinguished medical professionals, Otsuka continues its commitment to celebrating excellence in healthcare and medical education in Pakistan.
