SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

Introduction:

At Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute (GIKI), the commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being is reflected through a diverse range of health-oriented programs and partnerships. From pioneering workshops on artificial intelligence in healthcare to mental health counseling services and breast cancer awareness campaigns, GIKI integrates innovation, education, and community care to promote holistic well-being. Initiatives such as the UNDP-supported Wellness Center, AI-driven diagnostic research, and peer-led public health seminars highlight how the institute leverages its academic strengths and social responsibility to ensure healthy lives, build resilient health systems, and support all members of its community in line with SDG 3.

Blood Donation Campy by Project Topi

On 11th February 2025, Project Topi organized a Blood Donation Camp in collaboration with the Department of Student Affairs. The initiative encouraged students and faculty to donate blood, contributing directly to saving lives and supporting healthcare facilities.

The blood donation camp organized by Project Topi at GIKI serves as a vital initiative aimed at supporting healthcare systems and ensuring the availability of safe blood for patients in need. This camp brought the GIKI community together to contribute to a lifesaving cause, playing a crucial role in assisting accident victims, surgery patients, and individuals battling serious or life-threatening illnesses. By providing a structured and accessible environment for voluntary blood donation, the camp helped maintain essential blood supplies, strengthened emergency response capabilities, and promoted awareness about the importance of regular donation.

This initiative aligns directly with Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, as it enhances access to quality healthcare, fosters healthier communities, and ensures that lifesaving resources are available when needed most. Through this collective effort, Project Topi continues to contribute to a more resilient, compassionate, and health-focused society.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1086407246866894&set=a.573649784809312

Open Donations for Medical Support by Project Topi

Project Topi successfully organized an open donation drive to support the treatment of a poor worker’s wife who was suffering from bone marrow cancer. This initiative mobilized the GIKI community to come together in compassion, raising essential funds that enabled her to access critical medical care. By facilitating timely financial assistance, the campaign helped ease the burden of high treatment costs and ensured that she received the support needed during a life-threatening health crisis.

This effort strongly aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, as it promotes equitable access to healthcare, supports vulnerable individuals facing severe medical challenges, and strengthens the community’s role in improving health outcomes. Through actions like these, Project Topi continues to contribute to a healthier, more caring, and more inclusive society.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1304562101718073&set=a.573649781475979

Hiking and Clean Drive by ASHRAE 15^th September 2024

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), under the Department of Student Affairs, organized a Hiking and Clean Drive at GIKI on 15th September 2024. The event combined outdoor recreation with environmental responsibility, as participants enjoyed a scenic hike while actively cleaning up the surrounding areas. It promoted physical well-being, teamwork, and awareness about preserving natural habitats.

By encouraging a healthy lifestyle, gender-inclusive participation, sustainable community practices, climate action, conservation of terrestrial ecosystems, and partnerships for environmental goals, the event aligned with SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being,.

Magical Noori 2.0 By GIKI Adventure Club 28^th September 2024

The GIKI Adventure Club, under the supervision of the Department of Student Affairs, hosted Magical Noori 2.0 on 28th September 2024. This adventurous and rejuvenating trip to Noori Top blended physical activity, mental well-being, and a deeper appreciation of nature. Participants experienced moments of reflection, team-building, and environmental awareness in one of Pakistan’s most scenic locations.

The event promoted SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being by encouraging physical fitness and mental rejuvenation.

Summer Gala Intra GIK Event by ASM 30^th September 2024

The American Society of Materials (ASM), under the Department of Student Affairs, organized the Summer Gala on 30th September 2024 at GIKI. This vibrant intra-GIKI event brought together students for an evening filled with fun activities, interactive games, and social engagement, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.

Aligned with SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being, the event encouraged recreational activities that promote mental and physical wellness.

Dental Camp by Project Topi 1^st October 2024

Project Topi, under the Department of Student Affairs, organized a Dental Camp on 1st October 2024 at GIKI. The camp provided free dental checkups and oral hygiene awareness sessions for students, faculty, and staff, ensuring access to preventive care and promoting healthy lifestyle habits.

The event supported SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being by improving oral health awareness and offering essential dental care services to the community.

Pink Ribbon day – Fund Raiser by WES 17^th October 2024

On 17th October 2024, WES, under the Department of Student Affairs at GIKI, organized a Pink Ribbon Day Fundraiser to support breast cancer awareness and contribute to the cause of women’s health. The fundraiser aimed to inspire compassion, encourage collective responsibility, and promote early detection through meaningful contributions. The initiative not only strengthened the spirit of empathy and solidarity within the campus but also aligned with SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Breast Cancer Awareness Session-Pink Ribbon Day by WES 15^th October 2024

On 15th October 2024, WES, under the Department of Student Affairs at GIKI, organized a Breast Cancer Awareness Session – Pink Ribbon Day to raise awareness about breast cancer, emphasize the importance of early detection, and break the stigma surrounding women’s health. The session encouraged open dialogue, support, and empowerment, fostering a culture of care and inclusivity on campus. It also reflected the spirit of social responsibility by aligning with SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). 🎀

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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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.

The Office of Student Affairs promotes a sense of community and belongingness among students. The student counselor works regularly with students to help them with their personal issues. Further, they are motivated in their academic matters and encouraged to nourish their life with plentiful intellectual activities. Also, relaxation methods are offered to deal with academic pressures if any. We assure the students the complete confidentiality of their concerns. 

Year	Individual sessions	Group sessions/Probation Sessions	Seminars
2024-2025	192 (300 students book appointment for counselling session from which 192 students attended the sessions)	152 (A total of 380 students were approached to attend the sessions through emails, WhatsApp messages, phone calls, batch advisors, and Deans/HODs, out of which 100 students attended)	1. Six orientation sessions for the freshman batch of 2024. 2. Anti-harassment session on November 28, 2024. 3. Kashmir Day event on February 5, 2024. 4. Anti-Narcotics Session (“Say No to Drugs”) on March 10, 2024. 5. Anti-Narcotics Session (“Say No to Drugs”) in November 2024. 6. Meditation session for Boot Camp on July 9, 2024. 7. Podcast to raise awareness among GIKI students about mental health in March 2024. 8. Conflict Resolution Session for GIKI School teachers in July 2024. 9. Organize Open Day for outreach in February. 10. Women’s Day 8th February 2024. 11. Women’s Day 8th February 2025. 12. Intractive session with students. 13. Motivational session of fresh intake.Sep 2024.

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/

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.