The symposium was held on 14th November 2024, at the Farouqi Auditorium, under the aegis of the Armed Forces Postgraduate Medical Institute (AFPGMI). The event coincided with World Diabetes Day, highlighting the growing prevalence of diabetes and its implications for public health in Pakistan.
Chairperson and Attendees:
The symposium was chaired by Lieutenant General Arshad Naseem, HI (M) Surgeon General of Pakistan and DGMS (SI). The event was attended by dignitaries from the Army Medical Corps, postgraduate students, and professionals from various healthcare disciplines.
Theme and Purpose:
Titled “Diabetes, a Public Health Urgency – A Step Towards a Healthier Tomorrow,” the symposium emphasized the urgent need to tackle diabetes in Pakistan, which ranks number one globally in diabetes prevalence, as per the International Diabetes Federation. The discussions focused on innovative solutions for diabetes management, prevention, and possible reversal, with lifestyle medicine recognized as a key strategy in combating this epidemic.
NUMS Participation:
The National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) was invited to present its vision for lifestyle medicine as a sustainable approach to addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes. The NUMS team was represented by Dr. Omar Zafar Jhagra, Director of Avant Health Initiatives and Lifestyle Medicine, who delivered a compelling presentation on the integration of lifestyle medicine into healthcare systems in Pakistan.
Keynote Speech by the Surgeon General:
In his keynote address, Lt. Gen. Arshad Naseem HI (M) underscored the transformative role of lifestyle medicine in addressing NCDs like diabetes. He emphasized the need for its incorporation into the curricula of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. He called for a concerted effort to adopt evidence-based lifestyle interventions as part of the country’s public health strategy.
Key directives and discussions from the Surgeon General’s keynote include:
• The introduction of Lifestyle Medicine to doctors at all levels as part of their professional training.
• Ongoing discussions with the President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to integrate Lifestyle Medicine into the undergraduate medical curriculum.
• Instructions to the Commandant of AFPGMI to explore incorporating Lifestyle Medicine into the postgraduate curriculum at the institute.
Presentation by Dr. Omar Zafar Jhagra:
Dr. Jhagra highlighted the alarming burden of diabetes in Pakistan and explained how lifestyle medicine provides a structured framework for disease prevention and reversal. He emphasized the alignment of lifestyle medicine with the United Nations SDGs particularly SDG3: Good Health and Well-being, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages. Dr Jhagra outlined how lifestyle medicine directly contributes to achieving this goal by addressing the root causes of non-communicable diseases through evidence based interventions. He further outlined practical steps for integration of Lifestyle medicine integration into existing healthcare systems, including education, training, and policy advocacy.
NUMS Stall and Outreach:
A dedicated lifestyle medicine information stall was set up by NUMS at the venue. Staff members from Avant Health Initiatives engaged with attendees, explaining the core principles of lifestyle medicine and offering insights into maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Educational materials on disease prevention and the Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine were distributed, attracting significant interest from participants.
Conclusion:
The symposium was a resounding success, bringing together experts and stakeholders to discuss actionable solutions for diabetes. The emphasis on lifestyle medicine as a cornerstone for managing and preventing NCDs marked a significant step forward in reshaping Pakistan’s healthcare approach. The event underscored the critical need for multi-sectoral collaboration, education, and advocacy to create a healthier future for the nation.
Recommendations:
1. Inclusion of Lifestyle Medicine in Curricula: As advocated by the Surgeon General, curriculum updates are essential for training future healthcare providers in lifestyle interventions.
2. Awareness Campaigns: NUMS should continue leading efforts to promote lifestyle medicine among healthcare professionals and the public.
3. Collaborative Initiatives: Strengthen partnerships with government and military healthcare systems to embed lifestyle medicine into existing policies.
This symposium has set the stage for future progress, with NUMS and its Lifestyle Medicine initiative at the forefront of transforming Pakistan’s healthcare landscape.
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