8th SAARCAA congress inaugurated

The 8th SAARC Association of Anaesthesiologists Congress - with the theme of 'The Expanding Role of Anaesthesiologists' - was officially inaugurated by Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Chief Minister Sindh today at PAF Museum Karachi. The three-day congress scheduled from 05 to 08 February 2009 is being organised in collaboration with Pakistan Society of Anaesthesiologists.
During the keynote speech Chief Minister congratulated the organising committee of the congress and expressed his gratitude on the participation of a number of delegates from SAARC member countries. He said that the government of Pakistan is committed towards providing state-of-the-art healthcare facilities to the masses and introducing international quality medical solutions in Pakistan.
While highlighting the significance of holding such congresses he said, "This kind of programmes serve as a vital source of information where experts of international repute can discuss and share their valuable experiences with local practitioners." He was of the view that this congress will also further strengthen cultural ties with the SAARC member countries.
Professor Khalil ur Rehman, President - Bangladesh Anaesthesiologist Society, was the guest of honour in the event. He expressed his satisfaction over the arrangements made by the organising committee and reiterated his all-out support for the development of this forum.
On this occasion, Professor S. Tipu Sultan, Congress Patron said that it is a historic moment that Pakistan is hosting the SAARCAA Congress again after 10 years. While briefing about the formation of this forum he said, "Delegates from South Asian countries used to attend conference on anaesthesiology in different continents, however, in 1988 they decided to launch Asian forum and after few meetings we officially launched it in the year 1991."
"Over the years, this platform has gained such popularity that delegates from all over the world now attend SAARCAA Congress and this indicates untiring efforts of the entire organising committee," he maintains. He also highlighted the benefits of renaming the name of the organisation from SACA to SAARCAA, which helped them deal with visa formalities.
Dr Akhter Aziz Khan, Congress President, highlighted the significance of the congress and said that such a moot is always a source of inspiration for our younger colleagues and contributes enormously to the uplift of this speciality. "Pakistan Society of Anaesthes-iologist has also had the privilege of holding the 3rd SACA Congress back in 1997 in Karachi and the 9th SAARC Congress will be held in 2011 in India." he informed.
Dr Zia Akhter, Congress Secretary, said that South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) provides a platform for the people of South Asia to work together for the socio economic development of the region in a friendly and befitting manner. "The SAARC Association of Anaesthesiologists is one of the main components of this ideology. The idea of forming this association was conceived in the year 1991 and ever since such congresses are held every two year amongst its member countries," he maintains.
Professor Saeeda Haider, Chairperson Scientific Programme informed that around 85 renowned speakers would discuss 139 topics during the congress. She said, "The moot will discuss the growing role of anaesthesiologists which already widened up to critical care, pain management, trauma, resuscitation and the redefined role of as pre-operative physicians.
Moreover, an enlightening scientific program will include all aspects of anaesthesiology, intensive care and pain relief. Some of the globally-renowned anaesthesiologists from 18 countries would deliver lectures and mark new observations in the field that will inevitably give a new outlook to anaesthesiology domain." She also informed that over 600 national and international delegates are participating and 66 research papers would be delivered while pre-congress workshops have also been started in Karachi from 2nd February 2009.
Gautam Ratna Bajracharya, President SAARCAA also spoke during the event. Syed Mustafa Kamal, City Nazim Karachi will be the chief guest at the SAARCAA Celebrations that will be held at College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan, Karachi on 7th February 2009. Dr Sagheer Ahmed, Provincial Health Minister would inaugurate the Scientific and Trade Exhibition which is scheduled on 6th February, 2009 at a local hotel in Karachi.