Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) concluded its 55th Annual Medical Symposium with a closing ceremony combined with an employee appreciation event, marking the successful completion of a four-day academic gathering held from January 31 to February 3, 2026.
Organized under the theme “Global Health Challenges, National Solutions,” the symposium was led by Director JPMC, Prof. Khalid Sher Ali. The event commenced with an awareness walk from the Administration Block to Najam-ud-Din Auditorium, highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle and preventive healthcare measures. Chairperson of the symposium, Dr. Halima Yasmin, and Secretary Symposium, Dr. Rabia Ghafoor, expressed gratitude to the JPMC administration and acknowledged the challenges of organizing such a landmark event under newly appointed leadership.
The symposium brought together leading healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, and policymakers from across Pakistan to promote collaboration, innovation, and excellence in medical education and healthcare delivery. It aimed to foster a strong culture of research, lifelong learning, and continuing medical education, while empowering postgraduate trainees as future translational investigators and strengthening the link between scientific discovery and improved national health outcomes.
Over the four days, the event featured 45 pre-symposium workshops, plenary and scientific sessions across multiple medical specialties, poster and free-paper presentations, nursing and allied health sessions, annual departmental performance reports, as well as medical and pharmaceutical exhibitions.
A special Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) panel discussion titled “Sustainable Development Goals: How Can Public Healthcare and Education Contribute” was also held. The panel included eminent experts such as Prof. Khalid Sher Ali, Prof. Amjad Siraj Memon, Dr. Sarosh H. Lodhi, Dr. Zafar Fatmi, Mr. Mushtaq Chapra, Prof. Shehla M. Baqai, and Ms. Salma Alam. The keynote lecture during the plenary session was delivered by Prof. Saeed Akhter.
The inaugural ceremony on January 31 was attended by Senior Minister Sindh Nasir Hussain Shah as Chief Guest and Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab as Guest of Honour. Several senior government officials and distinguished academicians were also present, including Prof. Tahir Saghir, Prof. Nasir Saleem Saddal, Prof. Syed Jamal Raza, Prof. Tariq Mehmood, and Prof. Saeed Qureshi, among others.
The closing ceremony featured a grand celebration and the distribution of shields of appreciation to Heads of Departments and faculty members who played key roles in the successful organization of the symposium. Awardees included Dr. Nazish Butt (HOD Gastroenterology), Dr. Chuni Lal (HOD Psychiatry), Dr. Nighat Shah (HOD Gynecology and Pro-Vice Chancellor, JSMU), Dr. Manan Junejo (Dean JPMC), Dr. Erum Bukhary (HOD Neurosurgery), Dr. Shaista (HOD Radiology), and Dr. Raina Kaleemi, Chief Organizer of the PET Scan Workshop and Seminar on “Role of AI in Radiology,” along with several other faculty members.
Appreciation certificates were also awarded to the dedicated staff who worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth conduct and success of the symposium. Acknowledging the financial support of pharmaceutical partners, shields were presented to Sami Pharma, Getz Pharma, Hi-Qi Labs, Herani, Medi Clips, Chughtai Lab, Essa Lab, LCI, Nabi Qasim Industries, and the event management company.
Prior to the closing remarks, a farewell was also given to Dr. Amtul Qudus, Main Laboratory Incharge (Pathologist), JPMC, in recognition of her services.
Addressing the closing ceremony, Executive Director JPMC Prof. Khalid Sher Ali stated that JPMC remains a ray of hope for patients, particularly the underprivileged, who come from all parts of Pakistan. He highlighted the institution’s state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and strong teaching and learning environment, which continue to produce highly competitive human resources for the national healthcare sector.
