RIYADH — Pakistan Doctors Group Riyadh (PDG-R) hosted its 37th Medical Symposium at the Chancery Hall of the Pakistan Embassy. This year's theme was “Individualizing Therapy in Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus”. Dr. Atallah Ruhaili, President Saudi Society of Rhinology & Metabolism, was the chief guest. Manzoor Ul Haq, Paskiatan ambassador and patron-in-chief of PDG-R, presided over the event. Dr. Shakir, academic secretary of PDG-R, gave a welcome address and ably moderated the event. Dr. Nadim Sheikh presented a brief introduction about PDG-R. He said, “PDG-R was founded in 1986 as a non-profit entity with a view to bringing the Pakistani expatriate doctors in Saudi Arabia on one platform — with the sole purpose of service to the Pakistani community. There are 350 dedicated members of PDG-R now.” PDG-R regularly hosts Free Medical Camp for providing free medical care & consultation and medicines to those needy Pakistanis who could not afford the medical care costs, he added. This free medical camp is held at the embassy premises. “We also manage and run a 5-day medical consultation clinic for the low income Pakistanis – and hundreds of them benefit from it,” Dr. Sheikh added. He made special mention of Dr. Suhail Inam (President PDG-R), Dr. Asad Roomi (General Secretary), Dr. Lubna Siddiqui and Dr. Erum Qalbani – both members of PDG-R Executive Committee – for their support in successfully hosting the event. There were three presentations covering various aspects of the symposium theme on the deadly disease of diabetes. Dr. Suhail Inam, senior consultant of endocrinology & diabetes at Prince Sultan Military Medical City, spoke on “Understanding the Pathogenesis of Type-2 Diabetes”. Dr. Saleh Al-Jasser, a Saudi consultant of endocrinology & diabetes at King Fahd National Guard Hospital, presented his theses entitled, “An Approach to Tailoring Glycemic Target to your Patient”. Dr. Sherif Zaglol, diabetic medical adviser, Lilly, talked on the subject, “Lilly Diabetes: Past, Present and Future”. Chief Guest Dr. Atallah Ruhaili was all praise for the Pakistani doctors working in Saudi Arabia. “Frankly, I do not know of any Saudi who has not had a pleasant encounter with a Pakistani doctor. We in Saudi Arabia have always seen dedicated Pakistani doctors and specialists giving their best in patient-care and I really have a very positive impression about them,” Dr. Ruhaili said. He also recalled fond memories as youth when he used to partner and team-up with the Pakistani doctors. “I found them competent and hard working,” Dr. Ruhaili added. Envoy Haq praised the PDG-R event and the good work the group is doing. “I am glad to have attended this symposium which was on a very important topic of diabetes. I know diabetes is a deadly disease which when not treated early could be life threatening as well,” Haq remarked. He also mentioned that health was indeed wealth and a blessing from God. “If wealth is lost something is lost, however. when health is lost then it is indeed a serious moment,” Haq said. In the end memento shields were presented to the Chief Guest Dr. Atallah Ruhaili, Ambassador Manzoor Ul Haq and to all speakers for presenting very thoughtful and educative matter. A memento shield was also presented to Amir Shahzad of Knowledge Core for his support in hosting this event.
