IndusInsight2025 Symposium Charts Roadmap for Pakistan’s First Collaborative Center of Excellence in Neuroscience, Oncology & Genomics

The Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) in collaboration with the US-based Insight Hospital & Medical Centre hosted a symposium on Sunday, marking the first step towards a long-term institutional alliance aimed at building capacity of Pakistani doctors and setting up the country’s first integrated centre of excellence in critical medical fields — oncology, cellular therapy, genetics, pulmonary and critical care and nephrology.

Titled the IndusInsight2025, the event was organised at Salim Habib University, followed by a session at Governor House.

It brought together leading physicians, scientists, and policy experts, discussing the future of advanced medical care, research and training in Pakistan.

In his keynote address, Dr Jawad Shah, President of Insight Institute of Neurosurgery & Neuroscience (USA), emphasised the transformative impact of cross-border medical partnerships.

“Pakistan has immense clinical talent, but talent must be connected to systems that empower innovation. Our collaboration aims to build a model of integrative care where research, training, and clinical service move forward together,” he said.

Dr Teepu Siddique representing the Novel Therapeutics highlighted the importance of building Pakistan’s first genetics institute.

“Pakistan stands at the threshold of a genomic revolution. A dedicated genetics institute will open the door to early diagnosis, personalised treatments, and research breakthroughs that can transform national healthcare,” he said.

Dr Abdul Bari Khan, Founder and President of IHHN, shared his vision for the initiative, stressing the need for equitable access to high-end specialised care. “This collaboration is not merely an academic partnership — it is a promise to the people of Pakistan. A promise that advanced neuroscience, oncology, and genomic care will not remain privileges for the few, but rights for all,” he stated.

Speaking on strengthening clinical systems, Dr Muhammad Shamvil Ashraf, Executive Director Medical Services at IHHN, highlighted the importance of embedding quality and evidence-based frameworks into Pakistan’s healthcare environment. “If Pakistan is to compete globally, we must build systems where evidence-based protocols, research integration, and quality assurance are embedded into every level of care,” he remarked.

Dr Syed Ahmer Hamid, Consultant Pediatric Oncologist at IHHN, noted the urgency of global collaboration to uplift specialised care for children. “Children in Pakistan deserve access to the same cutting-edge oncology treatments available anywhere in the world. Through this collaboration, we aim to bring advanced therapies and training directly to where they are needed most,” he said.

Several panel discussions were held throughout the day, addressing specialty needs, resource gaps, and collaborative opportunities. The US-based faculty shared models for capacity building, including clinical pathways, virtual tumour boards, training programmes, critical care protocols, and avenues for research integration.

The speakers included Dr Zahir Sahloul, Dr Tajammul Hussain, Dr Amir Arain, Dr Sameer Shafi, Dr Sarki Abdulkadir, Dr Anwer Hussain, Dr Imran Nisar Shaikh, Dr Amin Ur Rehman Nadeem, Dr Syed Irfan Hyder and Dr Noman Haider.