Karachi, The 25th National Health Sciences Research Symposium (NHSRS) at Aga Khan University has set a new precedent in Pakistan’s healthcare landscape by focusing on the development and implementation of evidence-based medical guidelines tailored to the country’s unique context. The symposium attracted national and international healthcare experts, highlighting the urgent need for contextually relevant medical practices in a nation characterized by its diverse population and healthcare challenges.
According to The Aga Khan University, the event was part of an extensive effort led by the university’s Center for Clinical Best Practices (CCBP) to address the lack of standardized clinical practices across Pakistan. Dr. Faisal Sultan, former special assistant to the prime minister on health, lauded the initiative, emphasizing the structured and internationally validated process used to develop these guidelines with a focus on contextual appropriateness.
Pakistan’s healthcare system faces significant challenges due to its reliance on global guidelines and the discretion of individual physicians, which often do not take into account the country’s specific healthcare needs. The CCBP’s collaboration with over 150 specialists over four years to review, adapt, and create robust guidelines using the ‘GRADE-ADOLOPMENT’ process represents a critical step towards standardizing clinical practice across Pakistan. This collaborative effort has resulted in a Manual of Therapeutics designed to improve patient care from primary to tertiary healthcare levels.
Keynote speaker, Professor Mahmood Ayyaz, Vice Chancellor of King Edward Medical University, Lahore, underscored the importance of moving from disease-oriented to community-oriented contextual guidelines. Meanwhile, Professor Maj General Sohail Sabir discussed the challenges in developing these guidelines and the need for ongoing maintenance and improvement mechanisms within the healthcare system.
The symposium featured diverse perspectives on the importance of evidence-based guidelines in addressing health disparities and optimizing clinical practice. Distinguished speakers, including Professor Dr. Javed Akram, President of the Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine and Health Minister Punjab, and Professor Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal, President of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan, provided insights into the complexities of healthcare delivery in Pakistan and the crucial role of locally adapted guidelines.
The event showcased presentations on guideline development for common ailments such as diabetes and hypertension, alongside panel discussions, oral presentations, and awards recognizing the contributions of specialists to the Manual of Therapeutics. This symposium marks a significant advancement in the pursuit of a more equitable and effective healthcare system in Pakistan, demonstrating Aga Khan University’s commitment to leading the way in evidence-based medical practice.