KARACHI: Pro Vice Chancellor of Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), Prof Jehan Ara Hasan, has said that strengthening research and the effective use of modern technology are critical to improving Pakistan’s healthcare system. She emphasized that the prudent application of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies can significantly enhance patient care, diagnostics, and the overall quality of medical research.
She was addressing a one-day symposium titled “Healthcare Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Business Opportunities” held at the DUHS Ojha Campus. The event was organised by the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation (ORIC), Dow University of Health Sciences, in collaboration with OPEN (Organisation of Pakistani Entrepreneurs of North America).
More than 15 startups from various departments of the university showcased their innovative ideas at dedicated startup booths during the symposium. The Startup Corridor attracted a large number of visitors, who appreciated the creativity and entrepreneurial potential of the young innovators.
The symposium was attended by over 200 participants, including healthcare professionals, academicians, researchers and entrepreneurs from Pakistan and abroad.
The event was held under the patronage of Vice Chancellor DUHS Prof Dr Nazli Hossain. Prof Jehan Ara Hasan attended as the chief guest, while Director ORIC and Principal, School of Public Health, Prof Dr Kashif Shafiq hosted the event.
The symposium featured detailed discussions on healthcare entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, innovation and emerging business opportunities in the health sector. Panelists included Managing Partner of Advantage Health and President of the Pakistani American Pathologists Society Dr Adeel Ahmed; President APPNA 2026 and Professor at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Dr Babar Rao; Professor and Transplant Hepatologist at the University of California, San Francisco, Dr Bilal Hamid; President of OPEN Global and Professor at New York University Tariq Khan; and Life Sciences Patent Attorney at Chicago-based law firm Cooley LLP, Dr Irij Haq.
In her address, Prof Jehan Ara Hasan thanked the distinguished guests and speakers and said the symposium reflected Dow University’s strong commitment to research, innovation and entrepreneurship. She reaffirmed that through ORIC, the university would continue to promote research-driven innovation and entrepreneurial activities to help develop a modern, sustainable and efficient healthcare system in Pakistan.
During the panel discussion, Dr Adeel Ahmed highlighted the importance of clinician-led innovation, stating that doctors’ direct exposure to patient challenges enables them to develop practical, scalable solutions. Dr Babar Rao shared his entrepreneurial experience in dermatology and emphasized the role of international academic and business collaborations in preparing Pakistani youth for global competition.
Dr Bilal Hamid noted that the careful use of AI and digital technologies could significantly improve patient care, diagnostics and medical research, calling technology-driven healthcare solutions a critical future need.
Addressing young entrepreneurs, OPEN Global President Tariq Khan said universities should serve as launch pads for innovation and stressed that entrepreneurship is about creating meaningful solutions.
Dr Irij Haq underscored the importance of intellectual property, patents and regulatory strategies, saying early awareness of legal protection and commercialisation is essential for attracting investment and ensuring long-term success of healthcare technologies.
At the conclusion of the symposium, Prof Jehan Ara Hasan presented shields to the speakers on behalf of Dow University of Health Sciences in recognition of their contributions.
