Many NGOs have partnered with us to bring equity in
healthcare-Prof.Nasir Saleem Saddal Scientific sessions
were dedicated to the retired faculty members of NICH
KARACHI: The 8th National Institute of Child Health Symposium with the theme of “Towards the child health equity: bridging gap for every child” was held on April 27-28, 2024 at a local Hotel in Karachi. A rich educational program was made by the organizing team under the patron ship of the Executive Director of NICH Prof. Nasir Saleem Saddal. Other members of the organizing team included Prof. Mohsina Noor Ibrahim and Prof. Arit Parkash. The event started with number of pre-conference workshops in the NICH from April 20, 2024. A total of 22 workshops were conducted on different subjects including both communicable and non-communicable diseases, research, professionalism and others. All departments of the institution actively participated. These were highly rated by the postgraduate residents as they provided new information as well as hands-on skills demonstration and practice on mannequin and training models.
Dr. Saad Khalid Niaz, Prof. Nasir Saleem Saddal. Prof. Mohsina Noor Ibrahim and others photographed during the 8th symposium of National Institute of Child Health (NICH) held from April 27 – 28, 2024 in Karachi.
The main conference spanned over two days and comprised of 18 parallel sessions. Eminent pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, pharmacists, researchers, ethicists, nurses, policy makers, representatives of World Health Organization, National Institute of Health, Health Research Institute (PHRC), UNICEF, Pakistan Pediatric Association, The Association of Paediatric Surgeons of Pakistan, University of Karachi, Pakistan Nursing Council and others participated. They made deliberations on the contemporary health related issues and challenges along with the strategies to deal with them in the local context. The sessions were dedicated to the retired faculty members of NICH, a trend that was appreciated by all. It provided an opportunity to pay tribute to the great teachers who were the pioneer in establishing pediatric medicine, pediatric surgery and supportive specialties in Pakistan as well training of the undergraduate and postgraduate students of medical, nursing and allied health fields.
In the inaugural speech Prof. Nasir Saleem Saddal informed the guests about the contribution of National Institute of Child Health to the children and their families of province of Sindh as well as neighboring areas of Baluchistan, Iran and Afghanistan. He also pointed out the challenges faced by the institution, the limited resources at hand, its current needs, and future plan. He thanked friends of NICH and different NGOs who have partnered with the institution to bring equity in healthcare and provide services to the vulnerable segments of the society without any charges, at par with that of high-class private hospitals.
Group photograph of Faculty members of National Institute of Child Health and guests during the inaugural session of 8th National Institute of Child Health Symposium held in Karachi from April 27-28, 2024.
The Vice Chancellor of Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Prof. Amjad Siraj Memon who was chief guest, emphasized on showcasing of the great work done at NICH. This is to attract public and donors. He suggested raising funds by providing healthcare services to those who can afford so as to generate resources. He gave examples of NICVD and GIMS Gambat. Lobbying is important these days he mentioned. He also pointed out the need of investing more on primary healthcare rather than tertiary set ups. On this occasion Dr. Najma Saeed, a retired pediatric anesthetist, was the guest of honor. Her contribution to the field of pediatric anesthesia are tremendous. Prof. Mohsina Noor Ibrahim provided the details of the educational program that included free papers, posters presentations, invited and plenary talks by the experts from all over the Pakistan and through virtual link by those working outside the country. In the end Prof. Arit Parkash presented vote of thanks.
