31/07/2026
Successful Launch of the CARE Program – Module 1:
Obesity and Weight Management
Karachi, 30 July 2026:
The Pakistan Society of Physicians (PSP), Sindh Region, in collaboration with Tabros Pharmaceutical, successfully inaugurated the first Six Months Certificate course, CARE (Cardiometabolic Assessment, Risk-reduction and Excellence) , with its first module, "Obesity and Weight Management," at Medical Unit I, Ward 5, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi. The academic activity marked the beginning of a six-month, multidisciplinary educational initiative designed to enhance the knowledge and clinical skills of healthcare professionals in the prevention and management of cardiometabolic diseases.
The program commenced at 10:00 AM with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the National Anthem. The inaugural session witnessed enthusiastic participation from physicians, trainees, and healthcare professionals from across Pakistan. In addition to attendees present at JPMC, participants from Sukkur, Hyderabad, Nawabshah, and Khairpur joined through a live interactive webinar, reflecting the program's multicenter and technology-enabled educational model.
Welcoming the participants, Professor Iftikhar Ali Shah, Course Director, provided a comprehensive overview of the CARE Program, outlining its vision, learning objectives, six-module curriculum, assessment methodology, and competency-based approach to improving clinical practice in cardiometabolic medicine.
The scientific proceedings were formally inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Professor Masood Hameed, who highlighted the rapidly increasing burden of obesity and metabolic diseases in Pakistan. He emphasized that obesity is "the mother of many diseases", contributing significantly to diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, chronic kidney disease, and several malignancies. He stressed the importance of early prevention, multidisciplinary management, and evidence-based interventions to address this growing public health challenge.
The scientific sessions featured a distinguished panel of experts delivering state-of-the-art lectures integrated with interactive case-based discussions to bridge theory with real-world clinical practice.
The first talk was delivered by Professor Musarrat, explored the pathophysiology and neurobiology of obesity, including appetite regulation, hormonal pathways, energy homeostasis, and comprehensive metabolic assessment beyond body mass index. The session was complemented by an interactive clinical case presentation by Dr. Sarwat, allowing participants to apply contemporary concepts to patient management.
The second lecture presented by Professor Qaiser Jamal, who discussed lifestyle and behavioural interventions as the cornerstone of obesity management. The lecture highlighted evidence-based medical nutrition therapy, individualized dietary strategies, physical activity prescriptions using the F**T principle, behavioural modification techniques, and practical approaches suitable for the Pakistani population. An accompanying case presentation by Dr. Asif facilitated discussion on personalized treatment planning and long-term weight management.
The third scientific talk was delivered by Dr. Urooj-Lal -Rehman, who reviewed the latest advances in pharmacological management of obesity, including current anti-obesity medications, incretin-based therapies, patient selection, safety considerations, and emerging treatment options. The lecture was followed by an engaging clinical case presented by Dr. Tuba, encouraging participants to formulate evidence-based pharmacotherapeutic strategies.
The final scientific session focused on bariatric and metabolic surgery and was delivered by Dr. Tanveer Razi, who highlighted the evolving role of metabolic surgery in the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome. The presentation emphasized patient selection, surgical options, expected metabolic outcomes, multidisciplinary care, and long-term follow-up. A relevant clinical case presented by Dr. Aashir stimulated valuable discussion regarding appropriate referral and comprehensive perioperative management.
The inaugural module was honoured by the presence of several distinguished academic leaders, including Professor Haleema, PRO - VC, JSMU , Professor Saleh Mohammed Channa, Principal, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College (GMMMC), Sukkur; Professor Javed Ahmed Phulpoto, Principal, Khairpur Medical College (KMC); Prof. Santosh Kumar, Chair Medicine, LUMHS along with senior faculty members and participants from Karachi, Hyderabad, Nawabshah, Sukkur, and Khairpur who joined both physically and virtually.
Panel of expert including Prof. Abdul Rabb , Prof. Shabnam and Ptof. S. Riaz ul Hassan emphasized the importance of measures need to be taken for decreasing the obesity and improving the metabolic health of the society.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Omer Sultan, who expressed sincere appreciation to the faculty members, panel of experts, guest speakers, organizing committee, coordinators, participants and Tabros pharma for their valuable contributions to the successful launch of the CARE Program. In the end , Souvenirs were presented to Professor Masood Hameed Khan, Patron in chief of the course and Professor Haleema Yasmeen , Dean of Surgical & Allied and Chairperson of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) by Prof. Qaiser Jamal, Dean MedicineandAlliedHealthSciencesKarachiMetropolitanUniversity and Regioal Vice President, Pakistan Society of Physicians Sindh, and to sll speakers, members of the expert panel, and all invited Guests by Prof. Haleema Yasmeen in recognition of their outstanding academic contributions.
The successful completion of this inaugural module represents an important milestone in the Pakistan Society of Physicians' commitment to continuing medical education and capacity building in cardiometabolic medicine. Through its structured curriculum, multidisciplinary faculty, and integrated hybrid learning platform, the CARE Program aims to equip healthcare professionals with contemporary knowledge and practical clinical skills to improve patient outcomes across Pakistan.
The remaining five modules of the CARE Certificate Program will be conducted over the coming months across multiple centers in Sindh with synchronized virtual participation, reaffirming the Pakistan Society of Physicians' commitment to promoting excellence in medical education, fostering collaborative learning, and advancing evidence-based care for cardiometabolic diseases nationwide.
