Karachi: “The Conference titled ‘ICON 2020’ will highlight initiatives taken by the Indus Hospital to address healthcare challenges in Pakistan by bringing together disparate and like-minded institutions and individuals”. These thoughts were express by Dr. Abdul Bari Khan, Chief Executive Officer, Indus Health Network (IHN) while addressing the media at the ‘ICON 2020’ launch press conference.
ICON 2020 will be held from January 17-19, 2020 in Karachi with the theme of ‘Building Bridges for Better Healthcare’. The conference will take place at the Marriot Hotel, Karachi.
At the press conference, Dr. Ali Anwar Jillani, ICON 2020 Conference Secretary said that medical science is an ever-evolving field. Diseases, in the next decade and century would be what is unknown today. He emphasized on research for newer drugs, technologies, and treatment modalities are the only way to cope up with this ever-advancing phenomenon.
Dr. Mohammad Fareeduddin, Head of Pediatric Services, Indus Hospital and Chair, ICON 2020 said that more than 40 pre-conference workshops will be conducted before the conference, already progressing. ‘Pakistan was the first country to adopt United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals 2030 agenda. Indus’ ICON 2020 is committed to contribute in to the Goal No. 3 of good health and well-being for all’, he said.
He further added that ICON is a biennial conference and is attended by notable delegates from across the globe. The conference aims at disseminating research-based recommendations and will be reflecting upon and synthesizing current healthcare scenario along with identifying challenges for future.
Dr. Saima Saeed, Chair, Scientific Committee, ICON 2020, said that the conference has 38 symposia altogether over 3 days. Dedicated sessions for nurses, physios, pharmacists, speech therapy and counselors have been deliberately included as well unsung heroes such as clinical services management. This is in addition to wide ranging clinical specialties like pulmonology, plastic surgery, public health and pathology, all designed to highlight the importance of Building Bridges for Better Healthcare.
Mr. Mashhood Rizvi, Executive Director, Communication and Resource Development Directorate, IHN said that ICON 2020 will lay the foundation for strategic partnership and alliance to help improve healthcare across Pakistan. ‘It is a great opportunity to share your experiences and best practices and to highlight the latest developments in the healthcare sector’, Mr. Rizvi said.
Dr. Saima Salman, from ICON 2020 committee said that ICON 2020 is a multi disciplinary conference catering to research and capacity building. “The purpose is to bring like-minded people on a single platform and promote dialogue”, she added.