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The Aga Khan University’s (AKU) Centre for Innovation in Medical Education (CIME) hosted SIMPACT 2026, a healthcare simulation conference focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence in medical education.
Held in Karachi, the conference brought together clinicians, educators, healthcare leaders, innovators and students from Pakistan and East Africa.
This year’s theme, “Simulation Reimagined: AI & Beyond,” explored how artificial intelligence, immersive technologies and data analytics are changing healthcare training.
The conference also examined how new learning systems can support healthcare education and patient safety.
The programme included pre-conference workshops, keynote sessions and more than 80 research presentations.
Participants also viewed local innovations and technology exhibits from the healthcare simulation industry.
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A major feature was SIMVENTION, an exhibition showcasing locally developed healthcare technologies and software.
The projects highlighted the growing use of AI in medical education and healthcare services in Pakistan.
Shortlisted SIMVENTION projects included an Urdu-English talking avatar for medical training.
Another project featured a culturally sensitive chatbot designed for adolescent reproductive health.
An AI-assisted tuberculosis screening pipeline also featured among the shortlisted innovations.
The projects demonstrated how developers and healthcare professionals are applying AI to address specific education and healthcare needs.
Professor Atta-ur-Rahman, Professor Emeritus at the University of Karachi and former chairman of the Higher Education Commission, highlighted the impact of AI on healthcare.
He said AI is already changing areas such as drug discovery, medical diagnosis, precision medicine and patient care.
He also stressed the need to rethink how institutions prepare future healthcare professionals.
According to Professor Atta-ur-Rahman, simulation can help students develop skills, judgement and adaptability in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.
Chief Guest Dr Dabeer Ahmed Khan, Special Assistant to the Minister for Health and Population Welfare, Government of Sindh, also addressed the conference.
He said healthcare facilities depend on a workforce that has the skills to operate them effectively.
He stressed the importance of simulation and AI in preparing healthcare professionals for safe and high-quality care.
Dr Faisal Ismail, Conference Chair and Regional Director, CIME South Asia, said simulation can help address practical challenges in healthcare education and practice.
He said SIMPACT provides a platform for institutions to share ideas, research and innovation across borders.
He also highlighted the role of simulation and technology in training healthcare staff and supporting patient safety.
AKU’s CIME centres in Karachi and Nairobi serve as major simulation centres in their respective regions.
The conference also featured a keynote address by Professor Thomas Thesen, Director of the AI and Digital Health Curriculum at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.
Two panel discussions examined future directions for AI in healthcare.
SIMPACT 2026 used a two-city hybrid format and focused on AI both as a subject of study and as a tool for healthcare simulation.
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