Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) Conducted the first preparatory meeting for the 8th Biennial ICON Conference on May 26, 2025, at the Seminar Hall, Indus Hospital, Korangi Campus. Representatives from the Lahore campus and Muzaffargarh Campus also joined the meeting via Zoom.

Dr. Syed Ahmer Hamid, Conference Chair, opened the session with a comprehensive overview of ICON 2026, announcing that this year’s conference will be held in the newly inaugurated building at Indus Hospital. He emphasized the significance of this upgraded venue in enhancing both the scale and overall experience of the event.

He also introduced the theme for ICON 2026: “Resilient Care, Sustainable Futures: Bridging Climate Action and Patient-Centered Healthcare.”

This year’s conference aims to reimagine a healthcare system that is sustainable, inclusive, and centered around patient needs. Healthcare professionals, medical students, and allied health professionals are encouraged to take part in this meaningful scientific exchange.

Dr. Syed Zafar Zaidi, CEO IHHN, addressed the meeting and emphasized that the true strength of ICON lies in data-backed, original scientific research. “This must not be a conference where external speakers merely present their research and depart. ICON should be a platform for Indus to showcase high-quality, in-house research developed across our system,” he stated. He also highlighted the vital role that the ORIC will play in achieving this goal.

Afifa Batool, Deputy General Manager, Marketing & Communications, announced the completion of the ICON 2026 website and confirmed that the digital communication plan is now fully in place. Official ICON pages are live on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. “This time, we have ensured greater visibility and stronger engagement with healthcare professionals through all major platforms,” she said. “ICON is a platform dedicated to advancing scientific research and fostering meaningful dialogue.” She also noted that all conference-related updates will begin rolling out across platforms starting June 1, 2025.

The meeting was attended by key leadership and organizing committee members, including Dr. Syed Zafar Zaidi, CEO IHHN, Dr. Syed Ahmer Hamid, Chair, ICON 2026, Dr. Hiba Ashraf, Conference Co-Chair, Dr. Neelum Mansoor, Conference Secretary; Dr. Salman Imtiaz, Chair of the Scientific Committee; Dr. Ayesha Saeed, Secretary of the Scientific Committee; and Dr. Maryam Aftab, Chair of the Finance Committee. Also present were Dr. Ashar Alam, Medical Director, Dr. Shamvil Ashraf Executive Director Medical Services and Dr. Shafeeq Haider, CEO, IHHN North, along with his team from Lahore.

ICON 2026 promises to be a landmark event, fostering collaboration, innovation, and the advancement of healthcare research in Pakistan and beyond.