Around 2000 participants including healthcare professionals, Jamati leaders, leaders from various agencies of Aga Khan Development Network participated in a Triple ‘C’ conference organised by the Aga Khan Health Board for Pakistan (AKHBP) in collaboration with Aga Khan University (AKU) and Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan (AKHS,P). To commemorate the auspicious occasion of the Diamond Jubilee, AKHBP, brought together all Ismaili healthcare professionals of the country for the formation of the “Ismaili Health Professionals Association Pakistan (IHPAP) at a conference titled “Connecting Community to Consultation”. The objective of the association is to establish a platform of Ismaili health professionals to address the challenges faced in terms of access to quality healthcare and to identify collectively the way forward to advance the health of the Jamat. The conference also aimed to develop strategies of connecting the community to healthcare professionals by deliberating on the concept of digital health.

Packed with medical professionals, the conference was held in Karachi, Islamabad, Gilgit and Chitral simultaneously. At the conference, leaders and healthcare professionals from Toronto, United Kingdom, United States of America, and United Arab Emirates spoke on various topics.

Dr. Rozina Karmaliani, Chairperson, Aga Khan Health Board for Pakistan welcomed the participants and stressed upon the need of the formation of the Ismaili Health Professionals Association Pakistan (IHPAP). “In 2015, after Mawlana Hazar Imam’s guidance, we came up with the idea of establishing an association of the healthcare professionals in Pakistan,” said Dr. Rozina Karmaliani.

Under the aegis of AKHBP, the association will provide an inclusive space for community members and healthcare professionals to devise strategy in serving the Jamat. “I am proud to mention that there are 3000 healthcare professionals registered across Pakistan. With their support and energy, AKHB will be able to provide access to quality healthcare to the Jamat,” said Hafiz Sherali, President Ismaili Council for Pakistan.

The association has brought together Aga Khan University, Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan and Aga Khan Health Board for Pakistan on one platform. “Today I want to assure all of you that for you to make a difference, Aga Khan University and the hospital stands ready to serve in any way possible," said Firoz Rasul, President of the Aga Khan University.

The healthcare professionals will provide consultation to the community living in Pakistan especially in the underprivileged areas through Time and Knowledge. The association will also act as a tool for the professional and intellectual growth of members.

“This association has a long term perspective. The Ismaili Health Professionals Association, Pakistan is a great opportunity for networking among the professionals of the Ismaili community. It will be a learning experience where we will get a chance to learn from professionals," said Alia Nasir, Assistant Professor at the Ziauddin University.