Dr Naseem Salahuddin awarded title of professor emerita for lifelong contributions

The Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) has bestowed the distinguished title of Professor Emerita upon Dr Naseem Salahuddin, recognising her outstanding contributions to academia and the healthcare landscape of Pakistan.

The ceremony held in her honour celebrated her transformative influence in the field of infectious diseases, marking a profound moment in her illustrious career.

Dr Naseem Salahuddin, a distinguished alumna of Fatima Jinnah Medical College from the Class of 1967, obtained Board Certification in Internal Medicine in the US in 1977, followed by a Fellowship in Infectious Diseases.

Returning to Pakistan, she left an indelible mark on the medical fraternity, advancing clinical services, supervising CPSP programmes, and mentoring doctors nationwide.

Her impact is most deeply felt in the areas of infectious diseases (ID) and education. In a country grappling with infectious diseases but lacking specialists in the field, Dr Naseem pioneered the Discipline of Infectious Diseases through her unwavering dedication.

She established an Infectious Diseases Fellowship Programme, founded a professional society and journal, and authored scholarly articles that raised awareness and improved care standards. Today, Infectious Diseases is a sought-after specialty, thanks to her pioneering efforts.

Joining IHHN in 2007, Dr Naseem revolutionised Pakistan’s healthcare system. Her leadership in rabies prevention, introducing the one health concept through a rabies-free programme, is internationally acclaimed.

Under her guidance, the IHHN’s Rabies Prevention Programme treated over 30,000 dog-bite patients in 2023 alone and established dog-bite surveillance centres nationwide. Dr Naseem has also played pivotal roles in WHO Expert Advisory Panels on Rabies and Neglected Tropical Diseases.

At IHHN, she established HIV and tuberculosis clinics providing compassionate care free of cost. As a renowned researcher, she led multinational drug trials for drug-resistant tuberculosis and Covid vaccines.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr Naseem’s commitment to social welfare is exemplary. She founded the Citizens’ Education Development Foundation, bringing literacy to over 50,000 marginalised children in Karachi’s kachi abadis through innovative educational programmes.

The ceremony honouring Dr Naseem Salahuddin was attended by esteemed leaders of the IHHN, including Dr Syed Zafar Zaidi, CEO; Dr Ashar Alam, medical director; and Dr Shamvil Ashraf, executive director of medical services.

Former students and residents, now prominent professionals, paid tribute to her mentorship and dedication to serving the underprivileged, reflecting her lasting impact on generations to come.