Pak–US experts advance plan for integrated Centre of Excellence

IHHN–Chicago collaboration to form joint working group for long-term clinical and research partnerships in neuroscience, oncology and genomics

IV Report

KARACHI: The idea to build the country’s first collaborative Centre of Excellence spanning neuroscience, oncology, genomics and other advanced specialties received a major push at a two-day international symposium hosted at Salim Habib University and later at Governor House Karachi. The event, attended by leading Pakistani and international physicians and researchers, highlighted emerging opportunities for advanced clinical care, research and training, according to a press release.

Leaders from the Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) and Insight Hospital & Medical Center, Chicago, worked together at the inaugural IndusInsight2025 Symposium to design a coordinated roadmap for integrated and high-end medical services in Pakistan. The moot concluded on December 7 (Sunday).

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Jawad Shah, President of the Insight Institute of Neurosurgery & Neuroscience (USA), stressed that Pakistan possessed significant clinical talent but required stronger systems to harness its full potential. “Talent must be connected to structures that empower innovation. Our collaboration aims to build a model where clinical service, research and training advance together,” he said.

IHHN Founder and President Dr Abdul Bari Khan underscored that equitable access must remain central to the initiative. “This collaboration is not merely an academic partnership—it is a promise to the people of Pakistan. Advanced neuroscience, oncology and genomic services must not remain privileges for the few,” he remarked.

Renowned neurologist and CEO of Novel Therapeutics, Dr Teepu Siddique, highlighted the potential of establishing Pakistan’s first dedicated Genetics Institute. He said a robust genetics platform would pave the way for early diagnosis, personalised treatments and research breakthroughs that could strengthen national healthcare.

Several panel discussions through the day examined specialty gaps, resource constraints and opportunities for clinical integration. US-based faculty shared international models for capacity building, including virtual tumor boards, clinical pathways, critical-care frameworks and training exchanges that could be adapted to Pakistan’s context.

Speaking on system-wide strengthening, IHHN’s Executive Director Medical Services, Dr Muhammad Shamvil Ashraf, emphasised embedding evidence-based protocols into routine practice. “If Pakistan is to compete globally, we must build systems where quality assurance, research integration and standardised protocols anchor every level of care,” he observed.

For pediatric oncology, Senior Consultant Dr Syed Ahmer Hamid called for deeper global collaboration to uplift childhood cancer services. “Children in Pakistan deserve the same advanced cancer treatments available anywhere in the world. Through this partnership, we aim to bring cutting-edge therapies directly to where they are needed most,” he said.

International experts including Dr Zahir Sahloul, Dr Tajammul Hussain, Dr Amir Arain, Dr Sameer Shafi, Dr Sarki Abdulkadir, Dr Anwer Hussain, Dr Imran Nisar Shaikh, Dr Amin Ur Rehman Nadeem, Dr Syed Irfan Hyder and Dr Noman Haider contributed insights on modernising clinical systems, standardising care pathways and building collaborative research networks suited to Pakistan’s needs.

Concluding the symposium, Acting CEO of IHHN, Dr Amin Chinoy, announced plans to establish a joint working group to structure the proposed Centre of Excellence and Genetics Institute. The group will work on identifying funding avenues and initiating long-term programmes such as virtual tumor boards, research collaborations and capacity-building exchanges. 

Photos courtesy: IHNN