Karachi: The Aga Khan University's (AKU) Centre for Innovation in Medical Education (CIME), Karachi, recently hosted SIMPACT 2026, the sole healthcare simulation conference in Pakistan and East Africa. The event connected clinicians, educators, leaders, innovators, and students to examine how artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies are reshaping health training and patient safety.
According to Aga Khan University, the conference, themed "Simulation Reimagined: AI & Beyond," included pre-conference workshops, over 80 research presentations, keynote talks, and exhibits showcasing both local innovations and the latest industry advancements in healthcare simulation technology. A notable feature was SIMVENTION, an exhibition of locally-developed, AI-powered healthcare technology and software, highlighting innovations such as an Urdu-English talking avatar for medical training and an AI-assisted tuberculosis screening pipeline.
Professor Atta-ur-Rahman, Professor Emeritus at the University of Karachi, emphasized the transformative role of AI in healthcare during his address. He noted the need for educational reform to prepare future healthcare professionals for this rapidly evolving landscape. Dr Dabeer Ahmed Khan, Chief Guest and Special Assistant to the Minister for Health and Population Welfare, underscored the importance of simulation and AI in building a future-ready healthcare workforce.
AKU's CIME centres in Karachi and Nairobi continue to lead in transforming health education through simulation. Dr Faisal Ismail, Conference Chair and Regional Director for CIME South Asia, highlighted SIMPACT's role in fostering cross-border collaboration and innovation in healthcare education. The conference also featured a keynote address by Professor Thomas Thesen from Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine and discussions on AI's future in healthcare.
With its focus on AI as both a subject and a tool for simulation, SIMPACT 2026 underscored the advancements in healthcare education and training taking place in Pakistan.