KARACHI: The Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) has announced the creation of the Dr. Naseem Salahuddin Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases to honor the extraordinary contributions of the late infectious disease specialist, Dr. Naseem Salahuddin.
Dr. Naseem tragically passed away in a road accident in Morocco last week. She was laid to rest at the DHA Phase 8 graveyard in Karachi on the first day of Eidul Azha.
A memorial gathering was organized at Indus Hospital, where healthcare experts, social leaders, colleagues, students, and admirers came together to celebrate her life and remarkable achievements in medicine.
Speakers at the event praised Dr. Naseem’s lifelong dedication to healthcare, particularly her groundbreaking work in infectious diseases. They described her as a visionary physician whose knowledge, compassion, and commitment inspired generations of doctors and healthcare professionals.
Tributes highlighted her significant role in combating infectious illnesses, especially rabies and tuberculosis, and acknowledged the countless lives she saved throughout her distinguished career. Participants also noted that the Government of Sindh frequently benefited from her expertise and guidance on public health matters.
IHHN Chief Executive Officer Dr. Syed Zafar Zaidi said Dr. Naseem remained steadfast in her principles throughout her career. He emphasized that her passion for patient care and medical excellence made her an exceptional figure in Pakistan’s healthcare landscape.
IHHN President Dr. Abdul Bari Khan remarked that Dr. Naseem devoted her life to serving humanity without seeking recognition. He stated that her efforts in the fight against rabies would leave a lasting impact and that the institution would continue advancing the mission she championed.
Chairman Abdul Karim Pracha officially announced the establishment of the new Centre of Excellence, stating that it would serve as a lasting tribute to Dr. Naseem’s vision and continue her work in research, prevention, and treatment of infectious diseases.
Many of the senior consultants and healthcare professionals attending the ceremony had once trained under Dr. Naseem. They recalled her dedication to teaching, her humility, and her unwavering commitment to ethical medical practice.
Attendees agreed that while Pakistan has lost an outstanding physician, mentor, and educator, her legacy will endure through the healthcare institutions she strengthened, the medical professionals she trained, and the countless patients whose lives she touched.
The memorial ceremony concluded with prayers for her eternal peace and a collective pledge from the medical community to uphold the values of service, integrity, and compassion that defined her life’s work.