Mir Khalil-ur-Rehman Memorial Society seminar: Gender equality in healthcare policies, practices stressed

PESHAWAR: The experts at a seminar on Tuesday stressed the need for integrating gender equity into healthcare policies and practices.

They were speaking at a seminar on gender equality arranged by the Mir Khalil-ur-Rehman Memorial Society and Khyber Medical University (KMU) in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO).

A noted journalist from Daily Jang, Wasif Nagi, the recipient of Sitara-e-Imtiaz, welcomed the guests to the event and spoke of its importance.A known women rights activist and Ombudsperson Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace, Rukhshanda Naz, delivered a comprehensive speech on gender issues in the province.

She highlighted ongoing efforts, including legal frameworks, awareness campaigns, and institutional interventions, to address these challenges effectively.KMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Ziaul Haq called for commitment to advancing gender equality and fostering inclusive practices.

He highlighted KMU’s initiative to introduce gender-sensitive language in the MBBS, BDS, and Allied Health Sciences curricula.This progressive step, he said, was designed to educate future healthcare professionals on the importance of equity and sensitivity in medical communication and practice, aligning with both global standards and local needs.

This seminar reflects the joint commitment of KMU and WHO KP to integrate gender equity into healthcare education and practice, marking a significant milestone in the university’s efforts to promote a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system,” he added.Dr Muhammad Babar Alam, WHO team lead, highlighted WHO’s commitment to fostering inclusion and equity in the health sector and praised KMU for its proactive steps in promoting gender-sensitive approaches.

Dr Naeema Utman and Dr Rubina Nazli, Pro-Vice Chancellor of KMU, shed light on the importance of education and awareness about gender equality and breast cancer. Former Member of the Provincial Assembly and chairperson of the Standing Committee on Higher Education, Madiha Nisar, and Nisar Baz, Awami National Party MPA from Bajaur also spoke at the event.

Dr Sumaira Shams, former MPA and chairperson of the Standing Committee on Health, also participated in the seminar. She emphasised the need for sustained policy efforts to empower women and ensure equity at all levels.