LAHORE: Principal Amir-ud-Din Medical College (AMC) and President of the Pakistan Society of Anesthesiologists (PSA) Lahore, Prof. Dr. Jodat Saleem, has emphasized the vital role of anesthesiologists in ensuring safe surgeries, protecting patients’ lives and advancing modern medical research.
He expressed these views while addressing an awareness seminar organized jointly by the Department of Anesthesia, Lahore General Hospital (LGH), and PSA Lahore to mark World Anesthesia Day on Friday.
The seminar, themed ‘Before, During and Beyond Surgery,’ featured discussions on modern treatment methods, safe surgical practices, medical research and challenges facing the specialty of anesthesia.
Prof. Jodat Saleem said anesthesiologists played a fundamental role in surgical procedures by continuously monitoring vital functions, including breathing and heart rate, maintaining appropriate levels of anesthesia and making timely clinical decisions in emergencies.
Medical experts highlighted that anesthesia was not limited to rendering patients unconscious but encompassed the entire surgical process, from pre-operative medical evaluation and review of diagnostic reports to monitoring vital signs during surgery and managing post-operative pain.
They said advances in anesthesia had significantly improved the safety of complex surgical procedures, while continuous research, modern technology and professional training remained essential for further improving healthcare services.
During a panel discussion,Prof.Farrukh Afzal and President of PSA Pakistan Prof. Rana Altaf expressed concern over the shortage of anesthesiologists in the country.
They stressed the need to provide experienced physicians with a conducive working environment, better incentives, job security and equal opportunities for career advancement.
They said such measures would encourage young doctors to pursue the specialty, strengthen the national healthcare system and help ensure safe surgical services for patients.
Patron-in-Chief of PSA Lahore Prof.Shahida Khawaja stressed the need for effective policy-making to prevent brain drain, encourage young physicians and promote medical research.
She called for concrete measures to address the challenges faced by anesthesia specialists and enhance their professional capabilities.
Prof. Jodat Saleem said regular awareness sessions on modern medical trends were being organized at district and tehsil levels across Punjab to keep young doctors abreast of global advancements in medicine.
Speaking to the media,Chief Organizer,Dr.Ali Sabtain Haider presented suggestions for developing the specialty of anesthesia, promoting modern research,ensuring the availability of trained specialists and providing safe surgical facilities to patients.
The seminar concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony and an awareness walk.
Prof. Shahida Khawaja attended the seminar as chief guest, while Prof. Rana Altaf was the guest of honour. Prof. Farrukh Afzal, Prof. Ashraf Zia, Chief Organizer Dr.Ali Sabtain Haider, and specialists and young doctors from various hospitals across Lahore also participated.