Prof. Dr. Ayesha Humayun Sheikh Calls for Talent Retention, Strong Governance and Advancement in Medical Education
LAHORE: The 4th International Conference on Health Professions Education and Research (ICHPER 2026) concluded at Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, bringing together leading medical professionals, academics, researchers and students to discuss advancements in healthcare education, research and patient safety.In her welcome address, Prof. Dr. Ayesha Humayun Sheikh, Patron-in-Chief of the conference and Chairperson and Dean of Shaikh Zayed Postgraduate Medical Institute, emphasised that retaining skilled healthcare professionals, safeguarding their professional dignity and ensuring effective governance were essential to strengthening Pakistan’s healthcare system.She also highlighted the need to advance medical education, promote research, embrace digital healthcare solutions and develop modern medical facilities to improve healthcare delivery.
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.During the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Anwaar A. Khan, former Chairman and Dean of Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, received the Shaikh Zayed Legacy Award in recognition of his valuable contributions and 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; and the heads of the Nursing College and Allied Health Sciences.
Dr. Asfand Tariq chaired the Organising Committee.The event was attended by senior representatives of educational institutions, distinguished medical professionals, faculty members, researchers, organisers and a large number of medical students.
The first day of the conference featured academic sessions, panel discussions and training workshops covering artificial intelligence in medical education, healthcare system reforms, medical research and patient safety, providing a platform for knowledge-sharing and professional collaboration.
