Former PIMA presidents stress lifelong learning, ethics and compassion at Peshawar gathering
Peshawar: Senior physicians and surgeons have urged doctors across Pakistan to continuously update their medical knowledge and skills, warning that rapid advances in medicine could leave practitioners relying on outdated methods and compromise patient safety.
Speaking on the final day of the 28th Biennial Central Convention of the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) at Khyber Medical College on Sunday, former presidents said continuing medical education (CME) was no longer optional but essential throughout a doctor’s career.
Prof Sohail Akhtar said medical science was advancing exponentially, with new evidence, diagnostic tools, medicines and protocols constantly reshaping practice. Those who failed to keep up risked missing early diagnosis, effective treatment and prevention of complications.
He said learning must continue beyond graduation and postgraduate qualifications, as knowledge gained in training could become outdated. Regular participation in conferences, training, clinical research and evidence-based learning was essential to maintaining competence and providing safe treatment. Doctors must also critically evaluate emerging evidence and adopt proven advances rather than relying solely on experience or routine.
Addressing the closing session, newly elected PIMA President Dr Ahmad Salman Ghauri urged young and experienced doctors to show empathy, listen carefully and give patients adequate time, noting that care involved more than prescribing medicines or ordering tests; understanding concerns, explaining illnesses and easing fears mattered equally.
Dr Ghauri said PIMA’s existing comprehensive health policy for Pakistan should be reviewed, updated and presented to the government and policymakers as a roadmap for better healthcare.
He called for stronger health advocacy and school health education on hygiene, nutrition, physical activity and disease prevention to reduce preventable illnesses, and thanked Khyber Medical College’s administration for facilitating the convention.
Prof Hafiz Ijaz Ahmed described PIMA as one of the country’s largest and most active professional bodies of physicians and surgeons, with thousands of members serving communities in normal times, emergencies, armed conflicts and natural disasters. Its medical, humanitarian and relief work, he said, had strengthened its recognition at home and abroad.
Prof Hafeez Ur Rahman presented an account of PIMA’s relief activities in Pakistan and abroad, highlighting volunteer doctors who served vulnerable communities during disasters and emergencies.
Dr Atta-ur-Rehman urged doctors to regard service to humanity as Ibadah (worship), saying medical practice could bring spiritual reward when performed with sincerity, compassion and commitment.
In a keynote address titled “Role of Doctors in Building Society”, Khalid Rahman, chairman of the Institute of Policy Studies, Islamabad, said doctors’ responsibilities extended beyond hospitals and clinics.
He urged physicians to remain sincere to their profession, alleviate suffering through compassionate treatment and help build a healthier, more responsible society.
Earlier, a session titled “Medicine: Serving Humanity as Ibadah” explored the Islamic perspective on medical ethics and professional responsibilities.
Khyber Medical University Vice Chancellor Prof Abdul Jalil Khan was guest of honour; Prof Israrul Haq of Saidu Medical College, Prof Khubaib Shahid and Prof Muhammad Hamayun also participated.
Speakers including Dr Atta-ur-Rehman, Dr Fazle Azeem and PIMA Relief Director Dr Abdul Rehman said earning a lawful livelihood, maintaining integrity and treating patients with dignity could make medical practice worship.
Citing Quranic teachings on the sanctity of human life, they said doctors must avoid unnecessary tests and treatments, protect confidentiality, maintain competence and uphold ethical standards.
Compassionate communication and emotional support could restore hope among seriously ill and distressed patients, they said, while knowledge and humanitarian service could become Sadaqah Jariyah (continuing charity).
The two-day convention, which began Saturday, also featured sessions on robotic surgery, diabetes, cardiometabolic diseases, fatty liver, maternal and child health, mental disorders and artificial intelligence in radiology. Participants discussed challenges facing Pakistan’s healthcare system.
It concluded with renewed emphasis on lifelong learning, ethical practice, patient-centred care and a stronger PIMA role in advocacy and humanitarian service.
Ends