The cardiologists, attending the first Indo-Pak heart summit in Amritsar have unanimously exhorted the medical fraternity to jointly prepare a comprehensive plan for health and heart care for the people of the two countries.
Cardiovascular surgeon and head of the Punjab Institute of Cardiology Lahore, Dr Jawed Sajid Khan, said heart disease is the most common ailment among the masses living in both countries, adding doctors must work out joint research to alleviate the sufferings of people.
Dr Jawed urged the political leadership in both countries to encourage co-operation in health and education fields for the benefits to the people of both sides.
Citing the recent Indo-Pak cricket series and the thaw in the relations, Dr Khan urged both countries not to miss this historic opportunity to resolve all differences and live as brothers, according to a news report received here.
Dr Khan pointed out that doctors in India and Pakistan were among the best in the world. The summit would provide an opportunity to establish a joint forum for synergising their research the interest of two nations, he observed maintaining, doctors of both countries can work together and exchange their expertise in various disciplines.
A senior cardiologist from Lahore, Dr Abdul Waheed, said four out of 1000 infants born in Pakistan suffered from rheumatic heart disease. He said the eating of red meat containing high cholesterol content, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle were the main causes of growing heart problems.
In his inaugural address at the summit on Saturday, Dr J.S. Gujral, Vice Chancellor of Baba Farid Medical University, lauded the efforts of Escorts heart institute for organising this unique Indo-Pak Heart Summit, which has given opportunity to the medical fraternity of both countries to work together in close co-ordination.
Cardiac surgeon and chief executive of Escorts Hospital, Dr Naresh Trehan, said a large population in both countries suffers from similar heart problems due to their genetic build-up.
It was important that doctors should lend their experience to jointly prepare a heart action plan to prevent the upsurge of heart problems in the region, he added.