Event Overview

The CME witnessed active participation and registration of 90 participants, including doctors, midwives, and nursing staff. The event brought together leading experts to address the critical issue of obstetric fistula in Pakistan and promote safe motherhood initiatives.

Participants and speakers at International Obstetric Fistula Day 2026 CME

Distinguished Speakers & Academic Sessions

The academic event featured insightful sessions by distinguished experts, including:

• Prof. Dr. Shagufta Tahir (President PUGA) – Presented an in-depth overview of the global burden of fistula and its epidemiology in Pakistan
• Dr. Ayesha Mushtaq (Treasurer PUGA)
• Dr. Mahwish Fatima
• Dr. Lubna Razzaq

The discussions focused on the status, risk factors, prevention, public awareness, and management of genito-urinary fistula in Pakistan, aligning with PUGA’s mission to advance urogynecological education and training across the country.

Session Moderators

The session was expertly moderated by:

• Dr. Hannia Qazi
• Dr. Khudeja Adeel

Key Addresses & Leadership

Brig. Dr. Malik Waqar Awan – CEO, Memon Medical Institute Hospital

Key addresses were delivered by Brig. Dr. Malik Waqar Awan, CEO Memon Medical Institute Hospital and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz awardee, whose continuous support played a vital role in the successful organization of this CME. Without his encouragement and facilitation, conducting such a high-quality academic event would not have been possible.

Chief Guest: Prof. Dr. Jahan Ara – Vice President, Dow University of Health Sciences

The Chief Guest, Prof. Dr. Jahan Ara, Vice President, Dow University of Health Sciences, delivered highly impactful remarks. Her gracious presence and commendable insights greatly enriched the CME and were widely appreciated by the participants. It was indeed our great pleasure and honor to have her with us.

Panel Discussion: Safe Motherhood & Skilled Surgical Practices

The panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Rimsha, included esteemed panelists:

• Prof. Jahan Ara – Vice President, Dow University of Health Sciences
• Prof. Nasreen Fatima – Guest of Honor, Head of Ward 9A, JPMC
• Dr. Sikandar Ali
• Prof. Zubaida Maqsood
• Prof. Shagufta Tahir – President PUGA
• Dr. Nasreen Majid
• Dr. Yasmin Wajahat

The discussion highlighted the importance of safe motherhood and skilled surgical practices in improving women’s health outcomes, reflecting the core objectives of PUGA’s conferences and events.

Panel discussion featuring Prof. Jahan Ara, Prof. Nasreen Fatima, and other experts

Guest of Honor: Prof. Nasreen Fatima

Prof. Nasreen Fatima was the Guest of Honor and Panelist. She is the Head of Ward 9A at JPMC (Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre). She stated the situation of maternal health in the government sector and shared her vision to increase awareness of complications arising from difficult births.

Special Recognition: Prof. Pushpa Srichand

A special note of gratitude is extended to Prof. Pushpa Srichand from Isra University, Hyderabad, who attended the CME and shared her vast clinical experience and highly valuable academic knowledge, greatly benefitting the participants.

Prof. Srichand has repaired hundreds of genito-urinary fistulas free of charge at Isra University’s Gynecology Department, demonstrating exceptional commitment to women’s health and humanitarian service. Her contributions exemplify the kind of expertise shared through PUGA’s training workshops.

Conclusion & Vote of Thanks

The event concluded successfully with the distribution of shields and certificates as a token of appreciation to all speakers, panelists, and organizers. The collaborative effort between PUGA and Memon Medical Institute Hospital successfully raised awareness about obstetric fistula prevention and management in Pakistan.

For more information about upcoming PUGA events and news updates, please visit our events page or contact us.

Shield distribution ceremony honoring speakers and panelists