Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine (PSIM) organized a get-together meeting to align upcoming chapter activities and signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Ceremony with Aga Khan University and Pinnacle Biotech at a local hotel in Karachi.

The MoU signing with Aga Khan University aimed to develop evidence-based guidelines for disease prevention whereas another MoU with Pinnacle Biotech inked to collaborate on advancing a healthier and brighter future in cardio-metabolic care.

The meeting was attended by Prof. Bilquis Shabbir, Senior Vice President (Women); Dr. Somia Iqtadar, General Secretary, PSIM and several notable figures including Prof. Sabeen Naz Masood; Prof. Zaman A. Shaikh; Prof. Khalid Mehmood; Prof. Jamil Ahmed; Dr. Samar Fatima; Dr. Zain Mushtaq; Dr. Saira Sohail Kudwai; Dr. Ayesha Nageen; Dr. Aneeqa Ejaz; Dr. Marium Fatima Waqar; Dr. Saeeda Anzala Tahir; Dr. Samar Fatima, and others.

Dr. Adil Hussain Haider, Dean of Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi in his remarks expressed his pleasure over the establishment of PSIM Karachi chapter. He emphasized the importance of working for the underprivileged and the community at large stating that initiating efforts will naturally attract more people to join. He underscored the need for collective efforts in Pakistan and affirmed that every patient deserves access to evidence-based treatment.

Prof. Javed Akram, President of PSIM, highlighted that the Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine (PSIM) has made significant strides in Pakistan and plans to expand its activities in Karachi soon. PSIM is committed to providing evidence-based patient care and treatment across Pakistan and plays a vital role in capacity building within the healthcare sector. With a patient-centric approach, PSIM has set up clinics offering free consultations, investigations and treatments from its own resources. Plans are underway to establish additional clinics throughout the country.

He added that PSIM has also established a research center and is conducting extensive research with a focus on supporting underserved populations under the guidance of Islamic scholars. As an academic body, PSIM has published 29 research papers and provided grants to support further research initiatives. The organization is dedicated to adopt ethical practices and advocacy in healthcare. PSIM is pleased to collaborate with Aga Khan University (AKU) to develop evidence-based treatments and guidelines, marking a new era in patient care in Pakistan. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) are the backbone of clinical guidelines. We already have RCTs in Pakistan, and this encourages us to introduce even more. With more RCTs, research will become more meaningful.

Prof. Aftab Mohsin, Senior Vice President (Corporate Affairs) provided details about the 6th Annual PSIM Conference which will take place in February 2025 under the theme “Evidence-Based Patient-Centric Medicines.” The conference aimed to update participants on current practices across a wide range of critical topics in internal medicine. It will feature state-of-the-art lectures by both local and international speakers, pre- and post-conference workshops, plenary sessions on guidelines, research awards, and public awareness seminars, creating an enriching environment for consultant physicians and medical specialists to grow and excel in the ever-evolving field of medicine.

Prof. Shabnam Naveed, President of the PSIM Karachi Chapter, shared her views, emphasizing that PSIM is a prestigious society within Pakistan’s medical community, dedicated to promoting evidence-based treatment across the country. The society consists of 39 chapters, including 8 international chapters and all are committed to organizing monthly awareness activities and train the trainers workshops on various topics for consultant physicians and medical specialists to help them thrive in the constantly evolving field of medicine. She also informed about upcoming Annual PSIM Conference scheduled in February 2025.

Prof. Muhammad Al Fareed Zafar stated that the aim of PSIM is to establish and promote the highest clinical standards of medical practice in Pakistan, while also advancing research to improve the quality of practice and medical education. Additionally, PSIM seeks to enhance the appeal of internal medicine among physicians and interns. In collaboration with SOGO, PSIM has set up 33 modular theaters across various hospitals and healthcare settings. The society has also recently launched a fellowship program for its members.

Prof. Aziz Ur Rehman, Senior Vice President (Operations), PSIM briefed the members about PSIM Journal.

The meeting concluded with MoU signing with AKU Aga Khan University and Pinnacle Biotech.