SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

GIK Institute organized AI-H2D 2023: Pioneering Transformations in Healthcare, Drug Discovery, and Allied Sciences

GIK Institute organized the 1st National Workshop on AI in Healthcare, Drug Discovery, and Allied Sciences (AI-H2D) on November 23, 2023. This pioneering event aimed to bridge the gap between the fields of artificial intelligence and the diverse domains of health, pharmaceuticals, and allied sciences research. The workshop served as a platform for researchers, experts, and professionals to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in these critical areas.

Several eminent professionals, including Dr. Zamir Ul Hassan, MD, CITI Pharma Limited; Dr. Shumaila Naz, National University of Medical Sciences; Dr. Mahvash Ansari, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan; and Prof. Dr. Zahid Halim, GIKI, to name a few, delivered keynote speeches.

Prof. Dr. Fazal A. Khalid, SI, also attended the event. Participants provided very positive feedback, mentioning that they believe the workshop heightened their understanding of the use of AI in healthcare and how it can transform medicine in the best interest of ailing humanity.

GIKI and RMI signed an MOU to collaborate on developing advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to enhance the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute (GIKI) and Reliance Medical Institute (RMI) to collaborate on the development of advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer is a powerful example of how innovation in technology can directly contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3): Good Health and Well-being. This collaboration aims to leverage AI to improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce healthcare costs, and enable early intervention, ultimately saving lives and improving health outcomes for women. By enhancing early detection, this initiative seeks to address a critical healthcare challenge, as breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women worldwide. The use of cutting-edge technology aligns with SDG 3’s focus on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all, particularly through the use of innovation to reduce inequalities in healthcare access and improve the quality of health services. This partnership reflects GIKI’s commitment to applying technological expertise for the betterment of society and underscores the role of academic institutions in addressing global health challenges.

WES Self Defense Workshop March 2023

In March 2023, the Women Empowerment Society (WES) at GIK Institute organized a Self-Defense Workshop aimed at equipping female students with essential skills for personal safety and confidence. The workshop provided hands-on training in physical self-defense techniques, as well as strategies to manage and respond to potentially dangerous situations. By fostering self-reliance and empowering women with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves, the initiative sought to build resilience and promote mental well-being. This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3): Good Health and Well-being, which emphasizes the importance of physical and mental health as key elements of overall well-being. The workshop not only contributed to enhancing the safety and security of women on campus but also promoted a sense of empowerment, reinforcing the connection between personal health, mental confidence, and the broader goal of fostering a safe and supportive environment for all.

Project Topi Kishwar e Haseen Shaad Baad May 2023

The “Kishwar e Haseen Shaad Baad” (KHSB) event, organized by the Project Topi under the Department of Student Affairs at GIK Institute from May 5th to 7th, 2023, provided a valuable platform for local school students in Topi to showcase their talents while also raising awareness about critical social and environmental issues. The event focused on topics such as cleanliness, food wastage, water conservation (“Save Water, Save Life”), hygiene, and career selection—issues that are deeply interconnected with personal and community well-being. By encouraging students to engage in competitions such as art, speeches, writing, and drawing, KHSB not only nurtured creativity but also fostered an understanding of the importance of these issues for the health and well-being of individuals and society. This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3): Good Health and Well-being, which seeks to ensure the well-being of all, promote healthy lifestyles, and address environmental and health challenges. By educating young minds on topics like hygiene, water conservation, and nutrition, KHSB contributed to building a healthier, more sustainable future for the community of Topi, empowering the next generation to make informed decisions that positively impact their health and the environment.

CBS TEDx GIKI May 2023

The “TEDx GIKI” event, organized by the Character Building Society (CBS) under the Department of Student Affairs at GIK Institute from May 12th to 14th, 2023, served as an inspiring platform to motivate students and the wider GIK community towards achieving personal and professional success. With notable speakers such as Mr. Ijal Ul Haq (VP of Pakistan Karate Feder

ation), Ms. Samar Khan (Cyclist/Adventurist), Ms. Meher Ali Shah (Journalist), Mr. Samad (CEO of ASK Foundation), and Mr. Jawad Paracha

 (IBM), the event focused on stories of perseverance, resilience, and self-improvement. These speakers highlighted the importance of mental and physical well-being, while promoting the values of discipline, determination, and overcoming adversity—core aspects that contribute to a healthy and successful life. This alig

ns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3): Good Health and Well-being, which advocates for the promotion of mental and physical well-being as key factors in leading fulfilling lives. By inspiring students to cultivate a balanced and healthy approach to life, TEDx GIKI contributed to fostering a culture of well-being, resilience, and holistic growth within the academic community.

Anti-Harassment Seminar by WES 19th September 2023

The Women Engineering Society (WES) under the GIKI Department of Student Affairs in collaboration with the Anti-Harassment Cell organized a seminar named anti-harassment campaign on 19th September 2023. This crucial event served as a platform for raising awareness about the importance of preventing and addressing harassment issues in educational institutions. Attended by students, faculty, and staff alike, the seminar featured insightful discussions and informative presentations that shed light on the various forms of harassment and provided guidance on reporting and intervention mechanisms. The purpose of the event was to create an awareness where everyone feels respected and protected, emphasizing that harassment has no place within the institute’s community. The seminar encouraged a culture of accountability and empathy, marking a significant step towards a safer and more supportive educational environment for all.

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Anti-Narcotics Seminar by CBS October 2023

The Character-Building Society (CBS) under the Department of Student Affairs organized a pivotal Anti-Narcotics Seminar on 11th October 2023 at GIKI, highlighting its commitment to raising awareness and resistance against the plague of drug abuse. The event featured expert speakers from Anti-Narcotics Force who shared insights into the prevalence of drug abuse, its impact on mental and physical health, and the societal consequences. Attendees engaged in open discussions and interactive sessions, gaining valuable knowledge about preventive measures and rehabilitation programs. The Character-Building Society played a crucial role in not only organizing the seminar but also in creating an environment that encouraged dialogue and understanding around the complex issue of narcotics. By addressing this pressing concern, the society aimed to contribute to the character development of individuals, promoting a healthy and drug-free community. 

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Pink Ribbon Day at GIK institute by Women Engineering Society

The Women Engineering Society (WES) under the Department of Student Affairs organized an event named “Pink Ribbon Day Breast Cancer Awareness and Fundraiser Event” on 19th October 2023 at GIKI. This event, held with both empathy and enthusiasm, served as a powerful platform for WES to educate and mobilize the community on the critical importance of early detection and support for those affected by breast cancer. Beyond awareness, the event also incorporated a fundraising component, demonstrating WES’s dedication to contributing meaningfully to the ongoing fight against breast cancer. The sea of pink that adorned the event symbolized unity and support for individuals battling this formidable disease. By organizing the Pink Ribbon Day, WES not only raised awareness within the engineering community but also showcased the incredible impact that collective efforts can have in advocating for health and wellness.

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Student Wellness Counselling at GIK Institute

The Ghulam Ishaq Khan (GIK) Institute has recently hired a Student Wellness Counselor to prioritize the mental, emotional, and psychological well-being of its students. This addition is a proactive step towards creating a more supportive and healthy campus environment, where students can thrive academically and personally. The counselor’s role will involve offering one-on-one counseling, organizing workshops on stress management, mental health awareness, and promoting a culture of open dialogue about well-being. This initiative directly aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3): Good Health and Well-being, which emphasizes the importance of ensuring healthy lives and promoting mental health and well-being for all. By addressing mental health as part of its institutional framework, GIK Institute is contributing to the global effort to enhance well-being, reduce inequalities, and create supportive environments for young people to excel and develop resilience.

A UNDP-sponsored Wellness Centre offering online counselling services for mental health and wellbeing of the students was inaugurated

GIK Institute has established Wellness Center in the new academic block on June 2021. Sehat Kahani has helped us to establish the wellness center while HEC and UNDP funded the project. Mental health counseling is provided to students and tele-mental health has been introduced.

The GIK Institute is the first private sector university that has established the centre. Amid frequent closure of educational institutions and start of online classes in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic the students faced difficulties, anxiety and even depression around the world. The governments and educational institutions started introducing the measures to carry out research regarding the impact, frequency and severity of psychological and mental health issues of the students.

Higher level of anxiety of the students caused by Covid certainly needed the measures for solving their mental health problems created due to academic disruption and education-related mental distress. Under the programme, a software application will be used for rendering online counselling as well as treatment services to the students.

News Link: https://technologytimes.pk/2021/06/19/hec-undp-and-sehat-kahani-inaugurated-three-wellness-centres/