PESHAWAR: Experts have called upon the health professionals to get modern training to be able to improve their techniques in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery and help prevent disabilities.

These remarks were voiced by most of the speakers at the concluding session of the four-day 29th Annual International Conference on plastic and reconstructive surgery here on Tuesday.

Over 350 delegates, including 50 international experts, attended the event organised by Pakistan Association of Plastic Surgeons (PAPS).

The conference kicked off with three pre-event workshops focusing on specialised areas: cleft surgery, hypospadiology surgery and supermicrosurgery.

Noted international faculty, including Prof Brian Sommerlad (UK), Prof Taimoor Al-Bulushi (Oman), and Neil Brieley (UK) led the session on cleft surgery; Prof Ahmad Talha Hadidi(Germany), Prof Seref Etker (Turkiye), and Prof Obaidullah (Pakistan) led the hypospadiology workshop; and Prof Zhegang Zhou, Prof Zhang Yi and Prof Yang Yi (China) and Dr Mansoor Khan (Pakistan) supervised the supermicrosurgery workshop.

A highlight of the conference was Prof Zhegang Zhou`s presentation on groundbreaking research exploring the potential of lymphatic surgery in treating patients with Alzheimer`s and Parkinson`s disease. This innovative approach sparked considerable interest among attendees.

The conference also featured sessions on burn, aesthetic, and breast surgeries, conducted by a distinguished panel, including Dr Khalid Khan (Belfast, Ireland), Dr Riaz Malik, Dr Omar Ahmad and Dr Azhar Malik (UK), Dr Ciaran OBoyle and Dr Abid Rashid (Ireland).

Prof Emre Hocaoglu (Turkiye) and Prof Mark Fisher (USA) further enriched the programme by sharing their extensive knowledge and surgical expertise.

President of British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeons Dr Paul McArthur also graced the occasion and presented keynote lectures on hand surgery.

Eminent Pakistani plastic surgeons, including Prof Mamoon, Prof Farid, ProfTajumal Chaudhry, Prof Ashraf Ghanatra, and Prof Ghulam Qadir Fayaz, also contributed their expertise and insights.

Prof Tahmeedullah, chairman of the organising committee and president ofPAPS, emphasised the conference`s significance in opening new doors for young Pakistani plastic surgeons, providing invaluable training opportunities and fostering a global network of collabora-tion.

He expressed his gratitude to the dedicated organising team for their tireless efforts in ensuring the conference`s success.

Adding to the spirit of international cooperation, Prof Taimoor Al-Bulushi from Oman offered assistance in establishing a craniofacial surgery centre in Peshawar, a gesture warmly welcomed by the Pakistani medical community.

The conference proved tobe aresounding success, fostering knowledge exchange, promoting innovation, and strengthening international ties in the ever-evolving field of plastic surgery.

Khyber Medical University ViceChancellor Prof Ziaul Haq, who was the chief guest on the occasion, announced partnering with the Burn & Plastic Surgery Centre to offer specialised diplomas in burn and plastic surgery.

He highlighted the KMU`s commitment to advancing medical education, noting that the university, under the leadership of Prof Tahmeedullah, had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch a nursing diploma in burns and plastic surgery and an advanced diploma in burn surgery for young plastic surgeons.

`These unique programmes are expected to begin soon,` he said.