Known paediatrician Dr Ashfaq dies

PESHAWAR: A noted paediatrician and former principal of Khyber Medical College, Prof Dr Ashfaq Ahmad Khan, passed away here on Thursday.

According to the family, he had recently developed some health issues for which he was admitted to Northwest General Hospital in Peshawar. He remained hospitalized for some time and breathed his last there.

Hailing from the Swabi district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dr Ashfaq remained president of the Pakistan Paediatric Association and a member of the Executive Committee of the International Paediatric Association.

Meanwhile, Dr Tufail Muhammad Khan, a health practitioner, said Dr Ashfaque left behind a legacy of dedication, innovation, commitment and compassion. He said the late doctor was not just a pediatrician but a visionary leader whose contributions transformed healthcare in the field of child health.

Dr Tufail said Dr Ashfaque was the first qualified pediatrician in KP and he laid the foundation for pediatric care in the region. His tireless efforts led to the establishment of pediatric units across the province, ensuring that children had access to specialized healthcare closer to home.

He said beyond clinical practice, Dr Ashfaque’s influence extended to academia and research.Recognizing the need for excellence in medical education, he introduced the concept of entry tests, setting a new standard for medical schools.