KARACHI, August 25, 2026: The Aga Khan University’s Centre for Innovation in Medical Education (CIME), in partnership with AKU Medical College, has won the AMEE ASPIRE Award for excellence in simulation-based health professions education.

The international recognition places CIME among institutions selected for the AMEE ASPIRE Academy in 2026, highlighting its contribution to healthcare simulation, medical education and patient safety.

The award was presented to Dr Faisal Ismail, Regional Director of CIME South Asia, during the AMEE Conference 2026 in Vienna, which is being held from August 22 to 26 under the theme “Educators as Catalysts: Building the Future of Health.”

From Pakistan’s first simulation centre to global recognition

CIME opened in 2017 as Pakistan’s first healthcare simulation centre. Since then, it has developed into the country’s largest healthcare simulation centre and a major teaching and learning institution serving Pakistan and East Africa.

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The centre achieved another international milestone in 2020 when it became the first simulation programme in South Asia to receive accreditation from the US-based Society for Simulation in Healthcare.

The AMEE ASPIRE Award now adds another major international benchmark to CIME’s record.

Dr Faisal Ismail said the recognition was an important milestone for healthcare simulation in Pakistan. He noted that excellence in simulation-based education can be achieved in low- and middle-income countries through strong vision, collaboration and sustained commitment to improving healthcare.

Simulation education linked to patient safety

CIME has used simulation-based education to support the training of healthcare professionals while promoting patient safety and strengthening health systems.

The centre’s work involves faculty, staff, institutional leadership, partners and learners who have contributed to expanding the use of simulation as an educational tool across Pakistan.

The recognition is also expected to encourage more medical and health education institutions in Pakistan and other low- and middle-income countries to invest in simulation-based training.

Dr Tania Bubela, Provost of the Aga Khan University, said the award demonstrated that world-class health professions education could be developed wherever there was academic rigour and commitment.

She added that CIME’s achievement reflected AKU’s wider mission to improve health outcomes across Pakistan and East Africa.

International award highlights Pakistan’s medical education capacity

The award places Pakistan’s healthcare simulation sector in the international spotlight at a time when simulation-based training is becoming increasingly important in health professional education.

By allowing students and professionals to practise clinical procedures and decision-making in controlled environments, simulation can help develop technical skills, teamwork and preparedness before healthcare professionals work with patients.

CIME’s latest recognition highlights the institution’s continued efforts to integrate these approaches into health professions education.

The AMEE ASPIRE recognition also reinforces the Aga Khan University’s position in international health education and highlights the potential for institutions in developing countries to contribute to global standards in medical training.