Karachi: Leading pulmonologists and healthcare experts gathered at the inaugural ceremony of The Pulmonary Forum held at Hotel Marriott Karachi, where they raised serious concerns over the alarming rise in respiratory diseases due to climate change, environmental pollution, and lack of public awareness.
The event, organized in collaboration with HILTON Pharma and Myteka and supported by Gefahil, featured a high-level seminar on respiratory disease research and treatment. The special guest was Prof. Dr. Niaz Hussain Soomro, Director of the Ojha Institute of Chest Diseases, Dow University of Health Sciences. Also in attendance were The Pulmonary Forum Chairperson Dr. Uzma Fahim, Co-Chairman Dr. Shakeel Ahmed Siddiqui, and other prominent specialists including Dr. Tajammal Baig Mughal, Dr. Kaleemullah Thahim, Dr. Syed Ali Abbas, and Dr. Adnan Baig.
Dr. Uzma Fahim emphasized that respiratory illnesses such as chronic cough, asthma, and allergies are surging due to worsening air quality and climate shifts. “This is becoming a serious public health challenge,” she said. “Public awareness, early diagnosis, and effective treatment—alongside environmental reforms and lifestyle changes—are key to reversing this trend.”
Dr. Shakeel Ahmed Siddiqui highlighted Pakistan’s urgent need for modern diagnostic tools, research, and trained personnel to combat lung diseases. “We must act collectively—government, medical community, and civil society—to address this growing crisis,” he urged. He also praised the Sindh government’s efforts in raising awareness and called for stronger public-private collaboration in healthcare.
Dr. Tajammal Baig Mughal, the Sindh government’s focal person for dengue, stressed the importance of timely diagnosis in managing allergy-related conditions. He linked the rise in respiratory and vector-borne diseases to environmental degradation and insufficient public education.
Dr. Adnan Baig, TB focal person at Sindh Government Hospital Saudabad, thanked participants and organizers, calling the forum a “milestone initiative” in advancing respiratory health research and public engagement. He expressed hope that such scientific gatherings would continue to foster innovation and awareness in the medical field.
The Pulmonary Forum aims to organize CME walks, research initiatives, medical camps, and national conferences to expand access to respiratory healthcare and education across Pakistan.
