Shahzad Rasheed
PESHAWAR: A major push towards bridging the gap between research and real-world healthcare took center stage as the three-day International Conference of Health Research (ICHR-26) commenced at Rehman Medical Institute, organized under RMI Education.
The event was also graced by the presence of Founder and Chairman RMI, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Rehman, adding further significance to the occasion.
The conference, bringing together leading minds from across Pakistan and beyond, aims to transform healthcare research into practical solutions that can directly influence policy and improve patient care. Provincial Health Minister Mian Khaliq ur Rehman inaugurated the event as chief guest.
With over 200 participants — including renowned researchers, clinicians, academicians, and students — the conference quickly turned into a vibrant hub of ideas, innovation, and collaboration. International experts also joined virtually, adding a global dimension to the discussions.
From high-impact scientific sessions to engaging panel discussions and fast-paced rapid-fire presentations, the event is designed to challenge conventional thinking and highlight actionable research. Undergraduate poster competitions further showcased emerging talent, reflecting the growing research culture among young professionals.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the provincial minister for Health Mian Khaliq ur Rehman termed such initiatives “critical for the future of healthcare,” emphasizing that strong research must translate into strong policy. He reiterated the government’s commitment to building a resilient and efficient healthcare system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Prof. Dr. Ghulam Rasool, Principal of Rehman College of Dentistry and Patron of ICHR-26, set the tone with a clear message: research must go beyond theory. “It should guide decisions, strengthen institutions, and lead to practical solutions that improve patient outcomes,” he said, adding that ICHR is fast becoming a national platform for research-driven change.
CEO RMI, Shafique ur Rehman, stressed the importance of impact-driven research, noting that solutions must address real, on-ground health challenges — particularly those unique to the region.
While addressing the Event ,chairman ICHR-26 Dr. Naseer Ahmad highlighted the journey of ICHR, saying it has grown from a modest beginning into its fifth edition as a national-level forum. Referring to this year’s theme, “real-world research to real-world decisions,” he emphasized that research must go beyond publications and lead to better patient care
The conference is also spotlighting key health issues, including communicable and non-communicable diseases, public health strategies, medical education, and advancements in diagnostics — all aimed at shaping a smarter, evidence-based healthcare system.
As discussions continue, ICHR-26 is positioning itself not just as a conference, but as a catalyst for change — where ideas don’t just stay on paper, but move towards real-world impact.
The event will continue until April 19, concluding with a ceremony honoring outstanding research contributions.
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