Speakers for. innovation, international collaboration in advancing healthcare

Speakers for. innovation, international collaboration in advancing healthcare

Staff Correspondent

Speakers at an international conference have focused on the critical need for innovation and international collaboration in advancing healthcare to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). University of Asia Pacific (UAP), a leading private university in Bangladesh, hosted the International Conference on Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences (ICPHS) 2024. The event took place on the UAP campus in Dhaka on December 6-7, focusing on ‘Advancements in Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences for Sustainable Development.’ UPA’s Department of Pharmacy in collaboration with Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia, and UniversitiKebangsaan Malaysia arranged the ICPHS 2024.

The two-day event started with an opening ceremony addressed by Professor Dr. Mohiuddin Ahmed Bhuiyan, chairman of ICPHS 2024 and dean of School of Medicine at UAP. Architect MahbubaHaque, chairman of Board of Trustees of UAP, conveyed her speech highlighting global cooperation.

Speaking as the chief guest, Md. SaidurRahman emphasized the critical need for innovation and collaboration in healthcare to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “As we gather here to exchange ideas and innovations, I am reminded of the power of students to bring about meaningful change that leads to this new era,” he said.

Prof. Dr. QumrulAhsan, Vice Chancellor of the University of Asia Pacific said "The future of pharmacy lies in global partnerships, where knowledge, resources, and expertise are shared without borders, empowering each of us to make a greater impact." He emphasized the significance of international collaboration in advancing healthcare. He, however, thanked every organizing member for their efforts in making the event a success.

Professor Dr. Mohiuddin Ahmed Bhuiyan, emphasized the importance of collaboration saying, “We look forward to engaging in dynamic discussions and exchanging ideas over the next two days, with experts from ten countries underscoring the global significance of this event.”

In a celebration of the success of the iCPHS-2024 programme, the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Asia Pacific organized a Gala Dinner on Saturday evening at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka to honor the foreign delegates and participants of the event. The evening began with an address by Prof. Dr. Mohiuddin Ahmed Bhuiyan, who welcomed the distinguished foreign delegates and participants. His speech set the tone for the evening, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in the field of pharmacy and healthcare.

The highlight of the evening was the prize-giving ceremony, where students and faculty members were recognized for their exceptional contributions. Gifts were presented to the recipients, acknowledging their hard work and dedication throughout the event. Prof. Dr. IrinDewan, Head of the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Asia Pacific, said that over 5000 BPharm and Masters graduates of the department are now holding highly valued position in the leading pharmaceutical companies, regulatory bodies of the country including pharmacy council, directorate general of drug administration, in academia and research.

She also stated that over the last two days, we have witnessed brilliant minds from across the globe sharing their invaluable insights on our theme, 'Advancements in Pharmaceuticals and Health Sciences for Sustainable Development.' These two days have demonstrated the power of shared knowledge, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in science and healthcare. Together, we have explored innovative solutions to tackle pressing challenges. This is the essence of innovation at ICPHS-2024, which brings together experts to discuss research and encourage teamwork that leads to meaningful healthcare solutions." Prof. Dr. Isa Naina Mohamed, Faculty of Medicine at the University of Kebangsaan Malaysia, said, "The future of pharmacy lies in global partnerships, where knowledge, resources, and expertise are shared without borders, empowering each of us to make a greater impact." Dr. Poppy AnjelisaZaitunHasibuan, Faculty of Pharmacy at Universitas Sumatera Utara, said "It is with great honor and deep gratitude that I stand before you today on behalf of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Universitas Sumatera Utara. We are truly delighted to be part of this remarkable event, ICPHS-2024, and I would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thanks to the University of Asia Pacific for their extraordinary efforts in making this program a resounding success." MdSaidurRahman, secretary of Health Services Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; attended the conference as the chief guest, while Professor Dr. QumrulAhsan, vice chancellor of the UAP; Md. Nasser ShahrearZahedee, member at Pharmacy Council of

Bangladesh (PCB); Professor Dr. Md. Selim Reza, dean of Faculty of Pharmacy at Dhaka University; Dr. Samina Ahmed, chairman of Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) and Muhammad MahbubulHaq, secretary of PCB; also attended the event,among others.

Delegates from 10 countries-- Japan, USA, China, UK, Malaysia, Pakistan, Nepal, Indonesia, Philippines and Bangladesh-- took part in the international conference and spoke on the occasion. The conference served as a global platform for knowledge exchange among professionals in
pharmaceutical, medical and health sciences.