Indus Hospital & Health Network Leads the Way at the International Peritoneal Dialysis Symposium 2025

The Peritoneal Dialysis Academy of Pakistan, in collaboration with the Pakistan Society of Nephrology, successfully organized the International Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) Symposium 2025, held from April 18th to 20th, 2025, at the Marriott Hotel, Karachi. Continuing its tradition, the Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN) once again proudly led the organization of this highly educational event, aimed at advancing the practice of PD in Pakistan.

Spearheaded by Dr. Salman Imtiaz, Chair of the Symposium, and Dr. Faiza Saeed, Chief Organizer from IHHN, the event brought together an esteemed gathering of national and international nephrologists, clinicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals. United by a common mission, “Expanding Peritoneal Dialysis in Pakistan”, the symposium provided a dynamic platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing. The symposium was endorsed by the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD), and was also ACCME-accredited, reflecting its high educational value and global recognition.

Attended by more than 150 participants from various cities across Pakistan — including adult and pediatric nephrologists, postgraduate trainees, dialysis nurses, and technicians — the event reflected the growing national interest in advancing PD care.

Over the course of three impactful days, the program featured inspiring keynote addresses, powerful patient stories, and engaging panel discussions that explored the challenges and opportunities in enhancing PD services nationwide.

International faculty included esteemed figures such as Prof. Talerngsak Kanjanabuch (Thailand), Dr. Lily Mushahar (Malaysia), Dr. Nishantha Nanayakkara (Sri Lanka), Dr. Md. Shoeb Nomany (Bangladesh), and Dr. Rashid Sharaf (USA). Their global perspectives were complemented by strong contributions from local leaders, including Dr. Salman Imtiaz, who presented national PD data and emphasized its role as a sustainable solution for ESRD; Dr. Ahad Qayyum, who addressed key policy hurdles and implementation strategies; Dr. Nauman Tarif, who showcased local innovations in automated PD technology; and Dr. M. Mohsin Riaz, who spoke on the importance of assisted PD in addressing care gaps. A dedicated pediatric session also highlighted the unique aspects of peritoneal dialysis in children, emphasizing early intervention and specialized care.

A major highlight of the symposium was the series of hands-on workshops titled “PD in AKI” and “Train-the-Trainer.” The “PD in AKI” workshop was an advanced session designed to teach physicians the practical application of PD in acute kidney injury, including dedicated hands-on training for adult and pediatric PD catheter insertion at the bedside. On the other hand, the “Train-the-Trainer” workshop aimed to empower healthcare professionals — including physicians, nurses, and technicians involved in PD care — to become emerging leaders in providing PD services. These workshops significantly contributed to the educational mission of the event and promoted the practical adoption of PD techniques in both urban and rural settings.

Adding to the final day’s momentum, Dr. Abdul Bari Khan, President and Founder of Indus Hospital and Health Network, visited the event, offering his support to the organizing team and encouraging the continued growth of PD services in Pakistan. His presence was a source of inspiration and underscored the institutional commitment toward advancing kidney care nationwide.

The symposium concluded with engaging panel discussions, shield distributions, and a renewed call to action for building a robust, patient-centered PD infrastructure in Pakistan. Through visionary leadership and collective commitment, the event laid a strong foundation for sustainable kidney care and positioned Pakistan on the path to becoming a regional leader in peritoneal dialysis.