LAHORE ( WNAM REPORT ): The 9th International Conference on Patient Safety (ICPS 2026), organized by Riphah International University through the Riphah Institute of Healthcare Improvement & Safety (RIHIS), concluded today successfully at Shalamar Medical and Dental College. The two-day event brought together leading healthcare experts, policymakers, clinicians, and researchers from Pakistan and abroad under the theme “Patient Safety from the Start.”
Speaking at the closing ceremony, guest of Honour , Muhammad Arshad Qaimkhani, CEO of the Sehat Sahulat Program, appreciated Riphah International University’s sustained efforts in promoting a culture of patient safety and quality healthcare in Pakistan. He said Riphah’s focus on healthcare quality improvement, patient-centered care, and international standards has strengthened awareness regarding safer healthcare systems. He also announced that the Government is actively working on a comprehensive Medical Tourism Policy aimed at positioning Pakistan as a regional hub for quality and affordable healthcare services , adding that strengthening hospital accreditation systems and improving standards are key steps toward developing medical tourism and attracting international collaborations.
Dr. Zakiuddin Ahmed, Chairman ICPS and Director Riphah Institute of Healthcare Improvement & Safety, noted that the patient safety movement in Pakistan has evolved from a small initiative into a national platform with strong participation from local and international healthcare professionals.
Asadullah Khan, Executive Director of Riphah Healthcare Services (RHS), shared the organization’s approach toward preventive care, highlighting the integration of Lifestyle Medicine within clinical frameworks. He emphasized that Riphah is actively promoting lifestyle modifications as a primary tool to improve long-term health outcomes and reduce the burden of preventable diseases.
Shahid Hussain, Chairman SMDC, Dr. Muhammad Jamsheed, Head of WHO Sub Office Punjab, Prof. Dr. Hafeez ur Rehman, President Al Khidmat Foundation Pakistan, Dr. Faiza Bashir, Research Director NIH Islamabad, and Dr. Zahid Bashir, Principal SMDC also addressed different sessions of the conference.
The conference featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, technical sessions, poster presentations, and a symposium on Medical Tourism & Hospital Accreditation.
The event concluded with a call for greater adoption of international accreditation standards and evidence-based healthcare practices to strengthen patient safety systems across Pakistan. Patient Safety Champion Awards and shields were also distributed among distinguished speakers, guests, organizers, and sponsors.
