SBA School and UNSW Receive Grant for Advancing Equitable AI with Shalamar Hospital
The SBA School of Science and Engineering at LUMS, in partnership with the University of New South Wales with Shalamar Hospital, Receives Grand Challenges Grant For Catalyzing Equitable Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Dr Maryam Mustafa (Principal Investigator) and Dr Hassan Mohy Ud Din (Project Co-PI), Assistant Professors at SBASSE, are part of a collaborative project that has been awarded a Grand Challenges grant – an initiative fostering innovation to solve pressing global health and development problems and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Dr Maryam and Dr Hassan, alongside Dr Beena Ahmad (Co-PI), Associate Professor at the University of New South Wales and Dr Fozia Umber Qureshi (Co-PI), Head of the Gynecology Department at Shalamar Hospital, will pursue an innovative global health and development research project focused on Catalyzing Equitable Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use, titled “Awaaz-e-Sehat: Empowering Maternal Healthcare with Voice-Enabled Electronic Record Management”. When harnessed equitably and responsibly, AI has incredible potential to help solve some of the world’s toughest challenges and reduce global inequity. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation supports AI research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to help ensure that AI technology is tailored to local health, education, agriculture and other contexts and designed with the needs of the world’s most vulnerable at the centre. The project led by Drs Maryam, Hassan, Beena and Fozia aims to address the significant maternal health challenges faced in Pakistan, where poor pregnancy outcomes and high maternal mortality rates persist. The main issues include a lack of awareness about maternal health signs, delayed emergency care, and inadequate medical records. To improve this situation, the project proposes the development of “Awaaz-e-Sehat,” a voice-enabled, mobile phone-based AI assistant for maternal healthcare workers (MHCWs) in Pakistan. This innovative solution harnesses advancements in speech recognition (ASR) and large language models (LLM). Awaaz-e-Sehat will create comprehensive electronic medical records (EMRs) by leveraging voice input in local languages, particularly Urdu. This AI tool intends to assist maternal healthcare workers (MHCWs) by quickly generating detailed case histories, offering patient risk stratification based on health and socio-economic factors, explaining colloquial terms related to maternal health, providing educational resources, and facilitating the collection of vital health data. The system will involve an intuitive user interface, speech recognition, and text generation modules. Leveraging expertise in (ASR) from the University of New South Wales, the project will be developed at LUMS using a participatory design approach in collaboration with maternal healthcare workers at Shalamar Hospital. As one of Punjab’s largest non-profit hospitals, serving a diverse range of patients, Shalamar Hospital is an ideal testing ground for piloting Awaaz-e-Sehat. This diversity ensures a comprehensive dataset, accelerating the AI tool’s training and enabling future scalability to benefit marginalised communities. The project aims to establish an effective electronic medical record-keeping framework, facilitating equitable healthcare access nationwide. Awaaz-e-Sehat is one of nearly 50 Grand Challenges Catalyzing Equitable Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use grants announced by the Gates Foundation to support LMICs in harnessing AI’s power for good and to solve the urgent need for LMIC participation in the co-creation process of this technology as it rapidly evolves. The project’s findings will contribute to building an evidence base for testing AI large language models (LLMs) that can fill wide gaps in access and equitable use of these tools. Each of these grants represents an opportunity to solve or mitigate a real challenge experienced by communities, researchers and/or governments in low- and middle-income countries. To receive funding, Dr Maryam Mustafa’s team and other Grand Challenges winners submitted their concepts which outlined their bold idea in response to the Catalyzing Equitable Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use request for proposals. More than 1,300 proposals were submitted from around the world. About Grand Challenges Grand Challenges stem from the idea from over a century ago that crowdsourcing a defined set of unsolved problems can spark innovation and accelerate progress. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and its Grand Challenges funding partners use Challenges – launched in 2003 as open requests for grant proposals – to focus attention and effort on solving pressing global health and development problems for those most in need. Together they have awarded over 3600 grants engaging a diverse pool of problem solvers in over 100 countries and fostering a global innovation ecosystem where it will have the most impact. The foundation and its Grand Challenges partners will continue to launch RFPs to support innovators from around the world in tackling the hardest, most urgent, Grand Challenges. To learn more, visit grandchallenges.org.
SNC Students Shines in UHS Examinations
In a resounding testament to academic excellence, Shalamar Nursing College has achieved an outstanding feat by securing three esteemed positions in the BSN Post RN (2 Year) graduate program during the UHS Professional Examinations 2022. Held from March to May 2023, this remarkable accomplishment stands as a true reflection of the students’ dedication and the institution’s commitment to nurturing exceptional talents. The names of these outstanding achievers – Sumbal Majeed, Parsa Majeed, and Adeela Manzoor – now resonate as beacons of accomplishment within the academic sphere. Sumbal Majeed, attaining an impressive 98%, has secured the 2nd Position in the POST RN BSN First Prof category with her outstanding score of 346/400. Joining her in the ranks of excellence, Parsa Majeed also clinched the 2nd Position with an identical score of 346/400, underlining the institution’s consistent commitment to producing remarkable nursing professionals. Adeela Manzoor, an exemplar of dedication, has achieved a perfect 100% score in the Post RN BSN Final Prof program, securing a well-deserved 3rd Position with her exceptional marks of 460/500. This remarkable achievement, achieved By the Grace of Allah, radiates the institution’s pride and dedication to nurturing future leaders in the field of nursing.
SSAHS Students Secure Top Positions
Excellence Shines Bright: Shalamar School of Allied Health Sciences Dominates Academic Positions In the realm of education, dedication, and diligence, the Shalamar School of Allied Health Sciences has once again demonstrated its commitment to nurturing academic excellence. The annual examination results for the year 2022 have unveiled a constellation of shining stars from various disciplines, each securing distinguished positions in their respective fields. Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) : Ms. Ayesha Javeed stands as a shining beacon of accomplishment, having secured the coveted 1st position in her First Professional B.Sc (Hons) Medical Laboratory Technology Annual Examination 2022. Her unwavering pursuit of knowledge and rigorous effort have rightly earned her this laurel. Adding to the accolades, Ms. Rukhsar Akbar clinched the 2nd position in her Third Professional B.Sc (Hons) Medical Lab Technology Annual Examination 2022. This achievement is a testament to her dedication and academic prowess. Medical Imaging Technology (MIT) : The domain of Medical Imaging Technology witnessed an array of students who soared high in their academic endeavors. Ms. Samreen Saeed seized the 1st position in her First Professional B.Sc (Hons) Medical Imaging Technology Annual Examination 2022. Her mastery of the subject matter and diligent approach have paved the way for this remarkable achievement. Ms. Radia, securing the 2nd position in the same category, showcased her dedication and competence in the field. Furthermore, Ms. Syeda Shamamah Nazish Wasti emerged triumphant with the 1st position in her Second Professional B.Sc (Hons) Medical Imaging Technology Annual Examination 2022, a recognition of her dedication and academic prowess. Ms. Mahrukh Sikander clinched the 2nd position in the same category, adding to the school’s impressive array of achievements. Ms. Shanza Nadeem’s 2nd position in her Third Professional B.Sc (Hons) Medical Imaging Technology Annual Examination 2022, along with Ms. Hafsa Adnan’s 3rd position, reaffirms the school’s commitment to nurturing talent in this dynamic field. Optometry and Orthoptics (OTT) : Ms. Amna Zubair, with her remarkable dedication, secured the 2nd position in her First Professional B.Sc (Hons) Optometry and Orthoptics Annual Examination 2022. Her pursuit of excellence and commitment to her field shine brightly through this achievement. Operation Theatre Technology (OTT) : Ms. Ayesha Yousaf’s stellar performance earned her the 1st position in her Third Professional B.Sc (Hons) Operation Theatre Technology Annual Examination 2022. Her profound understanding of the subject and dedication to her craft have resulted in this well-deserved recognition. In the same vein, Ms. Mahnoor’s 2nd position and Ms. Summyya’s 3rd position in their Third Professional B.Sc (Hons) Operation Theatre Technology Annual Examination 2022 further underscore the school’s consistent excellence in this realm. In conclusion, the Shalamar School of Allied Health Sciences has once again proven its mettle in the realm of education and academia. The remarkable achievements of these students are a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and the institution’s commitment to providing quality education. These individuals not only bring honor to themselves but also illuminate the school’s legacy of producing talented professionals who are poised to make significant contributions to their respective fields.
SIHS Featured on New York Weekly
The Shalamar Institute of Health Sciences (SIHS) has achieved global recognition for its outstanding commitment to patient care and community outreach. In a recent publication by the prestigious New York Weekly, SIHS was highlighted for its remarkable contributions and groundbreaking achievements, setting a new standard in healthcare. The article titled “The Shalamar Institute of Health Sciences Sets a New Bar for Patient Care and Community Outreach” sheds light on the extraordinary efforts made by SIHS to revolutionize the healthcare landscape. This recognition marks a significant milestone in SIHS’s journey towards excellence and reflects its dedication to enhancing patient experiences while making a positive impact on the surrounding community. SIHS, situated in the vibrant city of Lahore, has long been regarded as a leading healthcare institution in Pakistan. With a vision to reimagine healthcare and empower communities, SIHS has consistently pushed boundaries to provide exceptional care, leveraging state-of-the-art technology, and fostering strong partnerships with patients and stakeholders alike. The New York Weekly article highlights SIHS’s innovative programs, such as community health camps, mobile healthcare units, and educational initiatives designed to raise awareness about preventive care and healthy living. By actively engaging with the community, SIHS has emerged as a beacon of hope, bridging gaps in healthcare access and addressing the unique needs of underserved populations. The feature on the New York Weekly serves as a testament to SIHS’s dedication to excellence and its tireless pursuit of innovation in healthcare. As a result of this recognition, SIHS aims to inspire other institutions worldwide to prioritize patient care, foster community engagement, and revolutionize healthcare practices
Panel discussion on Safe Reduction of Primary Cesarean Delivery
We were honored to host a dynamic panel of experts who engaged in a thought-provoking conversation on promoting safe and informed birth choices. Through evidence-based practices and collaborative efforts, we explored ways to reduce unnecessary cesarean deliveries, ensuring the well-being of mothers and babies during childbirth. The panelists shared invaluable insights, empowering us all to make informed decisions and create a nurturing environment that respects the natural birthing process. A huge thank you to all the attendees and our esteemed panelists for making this event a success! Let’s continue our journey towards safer and more fulfilling birth experiences together.
MoU between Shalamar Hospital and the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI)
We are thrilled to announce an extraordinary collaboration between Shalamar Hospital and the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI)! Witnessing the power of a longstanding relationship, Shalamar Hospital and LCCI have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Now, here’s the best part: LCCI employees and esteemed members will enjoy exclusive benefits with a special discount at Shalamar Hospital! This groundbreaking partnership is not just about numbers, but about a shared commitment to prioritizing the health and well-being of our community. Tag your colleagues and fellow LCCI members to spread the news and let them know about this incredible opportunity to access top-notch medical care at a discounted rate! Together, we are transforming healthcare accessibility and affordability, ensuring a healthier future for all. Join us on this exciting journey!
LUMS and SIHS Join Forces to Empower Healthcare in Pakistan
SIHS is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with the prestigious Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) to revolutionize Pakistan’s healthcare industry. Dr. Arshad Ahmad( Vice Chancellor-LUMS), Dr. Safee Ullah Chaudhary (Department Chair- Department of Life Sciences), and Dr. Shaper Mirza (Associate Professor) were present from LUMS and Prof. Dr, Zahid Bashir (Principal SMDC), Dr. Ayesha Nauman (COO_Shalamar Hospital) and Mr. Ali Khan (Director Partnerships and Programs) represented SIHS. Through this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), we aim to enhance the capacity of our healthcare workers and drive advancements in medical education and research. 🎓 Introducing Cutting-Edge Courses: Working hand in hand, SIHS and LUMS will develop three innovative courses to empower medical professionals: 1️⃣ Master’s in Clinical and Translational Research, in collaboration with the University of Bergen, Norway, already associated with LUMS. 2️⃣ Certificate Program in Medical Education, equipping physicians with top-notch teaching skills. 3️⃣ Certificate Program in Bioethics, ensuring our staff stays informed on the latest ethical guidelines. 🔬 Center for Evidence-Based Medicine: Together, SIHS and LUMS will establish a state-of-the-art Center for Evidence-Based Medicine. This center will harness the power of AI and advanced analytical tools to predict diseases and recommend optimal treatment options. Our faculties will collaborate on research design, data collection, processing, and analysis, fostering an environment of cutting-edge research. 🤝 Joint Endeavors: The Center for Evidence-Based Medicine will work synergistically with SIHS’s existing Centers of Excellence to drive translational research. Our aim is to introduce joint activities that propel these centers towards becoming exemplary research units. 🌍 International Exchanges: As part of the collaboration, SIHS’s talented faculty and clinicians involved in the Women’s Health Center project will participate in LUMS’s exchange program with the University of Bergen. This grants them the opportunity for short courses and observerships, thanks to the NORPART Grant awarded to LUMS. 📊 Local Research Empowerment: SIHS and LUMS will join forces in designing and executing population-based research studies to measure disease prevalence in local areas. Together, our faculties will work on research design, data collection, processing, and analysis, paving the way for evidence-based healthcare improvements. 🏥 Transforming Primary Care: Through collaboration, SIHS and LUMS will translate the evidence generated from observational and descriptive studies into tangible improvements in primary care within hospitals. Together, we aim to elevate the quality and effectiveness of healthcare services across Pakistan. Join us on this exciting journey of healthcare transformation! Together with LUMS, SIHS is committed to shaping a brighter future for Pakistan’s healthcare industry. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities
FPCCI Recognises Shalamar Hospital for its Role in Social Welfare
Shalamar Hospital is thrilled to announce that FPCCI (Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry) has taken a momentous initiative to recognize and appreciate the Social Welfare NGOs for their outstanding contributions to society. We are truly grateful and humbled to be a part of this prestigious event, “Recognition to Social Welfare NGOs,”. At Shalamar Hospital, we are dedicated to serving humanity and striving for the betterment of society. It brings us immense joy to receive the gratitude and appreciation extended by FPCCI for our remarkable efforts. We believe that the combined strength of Social Welfare NGOs can create a significant impact on the lives of individuals and communities. We are honored to share that the esteemed Chief Guest for this momentous occasion was the Honorable Governor of Punjab, Mr. Muhammad Baligh Ur Rehman. His presence added immense value to the event as he presented crests to the deserving Social Welfare NGOs, recognizing their pivotal role in uplifting and improving our society. We extend our sincere appreciation to FPCCI for their unwavering support in acknowledging the efforts of Social Welfare NGOs. Together, let us continue to serve humanity and create a brighter future for all. Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this inspiring journey of recognition and celebration!
Appointment of Dr. Talat Waseem as Chair-Department of Surgery & Allied Surgical Disciplines
We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Talat Waseem as Chair-Department of Surgery & Allied Surgical Disciplines at Shalamar Institute of Health Sciences! With his leadership, we are confident that the Department of General Surgery and its Allied Surgical Disciplines will excel in clinical service, education, and research. Dr. Talat Waseem is an Associate Professor of Surgery and Consultant of Surgery at the Shalamar Institute of Health Sciences. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons England, having received this distinction in 2017. Additionally, he is a Fellow of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan (2012) and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons USA (2020). Dr. Waseem completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Surgical Research at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA from 2002-2005. He is also a Master in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery, UK (Scholar), and a Master in Medical Education. Prior to joining Shalamar, Dr. Waseem served as a Clinical Lecturer at Cork University College and the University of Limerick, Ireland. He has published over 100 research articles in international and national journals. Let’s welcome Dr. Talat to his new role and provide him with full support in this exciting journey toward excellence!
Shalamar Hospital Wins Prestigious Award in the Healthcare Asia Awards 2023
It is with great pride the management of Shalamar Institute of Health Sciences wishes to announce the remarkable achievement of Shalamar Hospital as it bags the Clinical Services Initiative of the Year award in the Healthcare Asia Award 2023|Singapore for its “Urogyneacology Clinic”. Urogyneacology is a sub division of our Gynecology department. It provides extensive consultation and treatment for women who suffer from urinary incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder pain, vaginal prolapse, faecal incontinence, Pelvic floor injury and childbirth complications. Shalamar Hospital’s award-winning Urogyneacology Clinic is a testament to the hospital’s commitment to prioritizing women’s health in Pakistan. The hospital’s management team expressed great pride in receiving this recognition, which they believe is an endorsement of their valiant efforts in improving women’s health and well-being in the country. This award also highlights the hospital’s dedication to providing world-class clinical services and innovative healthcare solutions to its patients. We see this accomplishment as an endorsement for our valiant efforts in ensuring women’s health in Pakistan. SIHS stands committed on its vision to prioritize women’s health above all.