Health Professions Education Conference begins at Shaikh Zayed Hospital

LAHORE - The 4th International Conference on Health Professions Education and Research (ICHPER 2026) commenced at Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore on Wednesday, bringing together medical professionals, researchers, faculty members and students to discuss advancements in medical education and healthcare. In her welcome address, Patron-in-Chief of the conference and Chairperson and Dean of Shaikh Zayed Postgraduate Medical Institute, Prof. Dr. Ayesha Humayun Sheikh, stressed that retaining skilled healthcare professionals, protecting their professional dignity and ensuring effective governance were essential to strengthening Pakistan's healthcare system. She also highlighted the need to advance medical education, research, digital healthcare and modern medical facilities. Prof. Dr. Nadia Naseem, Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore, attended the inaugural ceremony as chief guest on behalf of UHS Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Suhail Sabir. On the occasion, Prof. Dr. Anwaar A. Khan, former Chairman and Dean of Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, was presented with the Shaikh Zayed Legacy Award in recognition of his valuable services. The conference's advisory board included Prof. Dr. Imran Anwar, Principal of Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan Medical and Dental College; Prof. Dr. Nasreen Ehsan, Deputy Dean; Dr. Muhammad Hatif Iqbal, Executive Director of Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore; the Principal of the Nursing College; and the Head of Allied Health Sciences. Dr. Asfand Tariq served as Chair of the Organising Committee. The first day featured academic sessions, panel discussions and training workshops focusing on artificial intelligence in medical education, healthcare system reforms, medical research and patient safety. The second day, October 22, will feature dedicated symposia on Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, covering nursing governance, professional development, infection control and measures to improve the quality of healthcare services. Senior representatives of educational institutions, distinguished medical professionals, faculty members, researchers, members of the organising committee and a large number of medical students also attended the inaugural ceremony. LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum inaugurates Judicial Complex in Alipur