Indian healthcare professionals attending the 13th SAARC ENT Congress in Karachi on Friday lauded Pakistan’s exceptional hospitality, praising the warm welcome and high regard shown to visitors.
Describing Pakistan as “just as safe as any Indian city,” the Indian delegates advocated for enhanced collaboration between healthcare specialists from both nations, emphasizing its potential to transcend political boundaries for the benefit of the region.
“No nation can match Pakistanis in hospitality. Their respect and care for guests leave us overwhelmed,” said Dr. KP Morwani, a renowned ENT surgeon from Mumbai.
Dr. Morwani, whose parents migrated from Pakistan to India during Partition, referred to himself as a “Sindhi conceived in Pakistan and born in India.” On his second visit to Pakistan, he expressed appreciation for the kindness of his hosts but lamented the absence of direct flights between Mumbai and Karachi.
“We traveled over 12 hours through Bahrain for what could be a 90-minute journey. Streamlining travel between the two countries would greatly benefit medical collaborations,” he suggested.
Similarly, Dr. MK Taneja, a senior ENT specialist from Uttar Pradesh, shared his admiration for Pakistani culture. “Having studied in Lucknow, I’ve always cherished Urdu. The warmth shown at the Pakistani High Commission and Karachi airport reflects the rich culture of this country,” he remarked.
Both doctors highlighted the potential for collaborative healthcare initiatives to improve patient outcomes. “Pakistani surgeons excel in certain areas, while Indian doctors specialize in others. By joining forces, we can exchange knowledge and enhance our practices,” added Dr. Morwani.
Advancing Healthcare Collaboration
The SAARC ENT Congress, organized by the Society of Otorhinolaryngologists of Pakistan, brought together over 30 international delegates, including five Indian specialists. The event featured discussions on advancements in ENT and head-and-neck surgery, with workshops on cochlear implants, temporal bone dissection, and minimally invasive techniques held at leading institutions like Indus Hospital and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre.
Prof. Sameer Qureshi, the congress’s organizing secretary, underscored its importance. “This event facilitates knowledge-sharing and addresses common health challenges in the SAARC region. It’s a privilege to host such a distinguished gathering,” he said.
Notable attendees included Prof. Nar Maya Thapa from Nepal, serving as conference president. Attending Pakistan for the first time, he commended the scientific depth of the sessions and the exceptional hospitality extended to delegates. “This congress is a testament to how the region can unite for shared healthcare goals,” he remarked.
The discussions extended beyond surgical advancements, addressing regional health challenges such as hearing loss, oral cancer, and equitable healthcare resource distribution. Delegates stressed the importance of building trust through platforms like these.
Prof. Tariq Rafi, the guest of honor, praised the event as a showcase of regional expertise. “Such gatherings strengthen partnerships and contribute significantly to healthcare advancements,” he stated.
A Path Toward Unity
As the congress continues through December 10, participants expressed optimism about fostering greater cross-border collaboration.
“Events like these not only advance medical science but also build bridges of understanding. Healthcare is a universal language that can overcome divides,” remarked Prof. Qaiser Sajjad, a prominent Pakistani ENT surgeon.
The sentiment resonates with the congress’s overarching goal: using healthcare collaboration to promote peace and improve lives across South Asia.
