The International Conference on the Future of Healthcare 2025 (FHCC 2025) concluded at the COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad, marking a landmark moment in Pakistan’s journey toward healthcare innovation and scientific advancement.
Aligned with the Prime Minister’s URAAN Pakistan Program (National Economic Transformation Plan 2024–29), the two-day conference served as a premier platform to bring together global and national researchers, entrepreneurs, industrial leaders, and scientists to shape a shared vision for the future of healthcare in Pakistan and beyond.
Jointly organized by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, Aga Khan University Karachi, Khyber Medical University Peshawar, Pak-Austria Fachhochschule Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology, National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the International Center for Regenerative and Cellular Medicine, FHCC 2025 attracted over 5,000 participants, including leading experts, policymakers, and innovators from around the world.
Driving the Future of Healthcare Innovation
The conference featured cutting-edge discussions on transformative healthcare trends such as Robotic Surgery, Nano-Medicine, Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, Genomics, Telemedicine, Precision Public Health, Augmented Reality in Medical Education, and Cellular Medicine.
More than 50 national and international universities participated, showcasing research collaborations and technological innovations poised to redefine healthcare delivery.
Keynote Speakers and Thought Leaders
Distinguished speakers included Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, FRS, N.I., H.I., S.I., T.I., Prof. Dr. Kausar Abdullah Malik (HI, SI, TI), President, Pakistan Academy of Science; Mr. Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh, Federal Secretary, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination; Prof. Dr. Saeed Akhtar, Chairman, PKLI & JMC&RC; Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President and Vice-Chancellor, Aga Khan University; Prof. Dr. Zia ul Haq, Vice Chancellor, Khyber Medical University; Prof. Dr. M. Mujahid, Rector, Pak-Austria Fachhochschule; Dr. Luo Dapeng, WHO Country Representative, Pakistan; Ronald Lavater, CEO, International Hospital Federation, Geneva; and Sonia Roschnik, Executive Director, Geneva Sustainability Centre.
The keynote addresses underscored the importance of collaborative, interdisciplinary, and translational research in advancing Pakistan’s healthcare system. Speakers also highlighted the critical need for industry–academia partnerships to accelerate innovation and tackle pressing health challenges.
Panels, Workshops, and Hands-on Learning
The conference hosted four high-level panel discussions, including “Creating an Enabling Environment for the Future of Healthcare” and “Reshaping Precision Medicine through Technological Evolution.” Experts from the Ministry of Health, Asian Development Bank, Roche Diagnostics, Aga Khan University, Khyber Medical University, NUMS, and Pak-Austria Fachhochschule explored strategies to integrate advanced technologies—such as AI, telemedicine, and precision medicine—into Pakistan’s healthcare ecosystem.
Six intensive workshops provided hands-on training in:
AI and Instrument Development
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
3D Bioprinting and Regenerative Medicine
Nanomedicine Preparation
Advanced Cardiac Interventions
Clinical Genomics and Genetics
These sessions, led by faculty from partner institutions, equipped participants with emerging diagnostic and research skills vital for the next era of medical science.
Recognizing Research Excellence
Over 16 oral and 30 poster presentations highlighted breakthrough research from across Pakistan. The Best Young Researcher Poster Award (PKR 100,000) was awarded to a student from Aga Khan University for exceptional work in molecular therapeutics.
The NUMS Young Researcher Award was presented to Ms. Zainab Rafeeq for her study on “Structural Analysis of the Artemisinin-Resistance Marker PfK13 of Plasmodium falciparum.”
Dr. Afeefa Zainab was also honored for her presentation on “oCELLo: Optimizing Reference Cell Types for Single Cell and Spatial Transcriptomics.”
The Asian Development Bank supported the participation of over 40 young researchers from across Asia, promoting regional collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Closing Reflections
Concluding the event, Dr. Jasim Anwar, Chairman FHCC 2025, commended the collective spirit of innovation and collaboration demonstrated throughout the conference.
“FHCC 2025 embodied the spirit of URAAN Pakistan — a collective pursuit of innovation, collaboration, and excellence to reshape healthcare for generations to come.”
FHCC 2025 marked a defining moment in advancing Pakistan’s commitment to evidence-based, technology-driven healthcare, reinforcing the nation’s aspiration to emerge as a regional hub for medical innovation and research excellence.
