The Aga Khan University (AKU) held its Health-Tech Summit this week, featuring caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and top government officials. In collaboration with AIM Consulting, the two-day event gathered healthcare and technology leaders to explore the transformative potential of technology in healthcare, especially for low-income populations.
Prime Minister Kakar expressed appreciation for the philanthropic and private sectors’ role in providing equitable health services. AKU, known for its leadership in education, research, and healthcare delivery, is now venturing into arts and sciences. Prime Minister Kakar commended AKU for its invitation, envisioning a healthier, technologically-empowered future for Pakistan.
AKU aims to utilize various technologies for preventive and curative care, including gene-editing therapies, artificial intelligence for maternal and child health, electronic health records, and virtual reality for health professional training. The university’s mobile app, designed for community health workers, is making a significant impact in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Prime Minister Kakar acknowledged AKU as a national asset, highlighting its contributions during the pandemic, floods, and support to government healthcare providers. Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President of AKU, emphasized the university’s goal to extend its impact beyond campuses through strong partnerships with the government and innovative technologies.
The Summit, attended by caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh Justice (R) Maqbool Baqar and caretaker Sindh Health Minister Dr. Saad Khalid Niaz, featured speakers such as Harvard University CIO Klara Jelinkova, health-tech entrepreneur Khan M. Siddiqui, and other global experts. Prime Minister Kakar engaged with AKU students and explored the university’s multimedia exhibition, ‘A Transformative Vision,’ acknowledging the visionary leadership of His Highness the Aga Khan in advancing healthcare and education in Pakistan.
