KARACHI: Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU), in partnership with the Gynecology Department of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), organised a Continuing Medical Education (CME) session themed "Closing the Gap with Unity in Care."
This event kicked off an International Gynecology Symposium aimed at fostering regional collaboration and enhancing the management of gynecological cancers.
On the occasion, the gynecology clinic at JPMC was dedicated to the memory of the late Prof Mehmood Saeed.
Prof Haleema Yasmin, a leading figure in Gynecology and Obstetrics at Ward 8, JPMC, and the event organiser, pointed out the heavy burden of gynecological cancers in Pakistan. “Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the country, with an estimated 6,958 new cases and 3,686 deaths annually.
She said the government plans to introduce free HPV vaccinations for young girls by early 2025, terming it a critical step towards cervical cancer prevention.
Dr. Natacha Phoolcharoen from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thailand, addressed regional challenges in combating cervical cancer.
She said cervical cancer is a pressing public health issue throughout South Asia, including in Thailand and Pakistan. While progress has been made in prevention and treatment, hurdles like resource limitations and cultural stigma persist, she added.
She said Thailand is committed to supporting Pakistan in overcoming these obstacles, sharing best practices, and working towards the elimination of cervical cancer in the region.
JSMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Amjad Siraj Memon underscored the university's dedication to advancing gynecological oncology through education, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
“This CME session represents our commitment to closing the gap in cancer care and improving patient outcomes. In collaboration with JPMC and Aga Khan University (AKU), JSMU plans to introduce a one-year postgraduate diploma in gynecological oncology to further strengthen our initiatives,” he said.
Dr. Nasir Ali from AKUH discussed the role of radiation therapy in managing gynecological cancers.
Other key speakers included Dr. Rehmatullah Khan from University Hospital Birmingham, who discussed the latest developments in endometrial cancer, and Dr. Shamsun Nisha Rashdi, who highlighted perioperative anesthesia care for gynecological patients.
Dr. Naila Zahid of JSMU gave a presentation on chemotherapeutic approaches for ovarian cancers.
The event also included a panel discussion on various gynecological cancers—endometrial, ovarian, cervical, and vulval—fostering a collaborative exchange of knowledge and best practices in multidisciplinary care.