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The International Association of Bioethics (IAB) recently held its 17th World Congress of Bioethics (WCB) in Doha, Qatar, from June 3 to 6, 2024. It was the first time that the Congress was hosted in the Middle East, and an Arab Muslim country. Organized in partnership with the Research Center for Islamic Legislation and Ethics (CILE) and the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), the Congress explored the theme “Religion, Culture, and Global Bioethics,” addressing the intricate relationships of these fundamental elements of religion, culture, and bioethics. This inclusive approach facilitated a diverse range of voices and perspectives and promoted constructive dialogue and critical discourse.

A highlight of the Congress was the participation of Dr. Nida Ilyas Shamsi from Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN). Dr. Shamsi, a Consultant and Head of Family Medicine, and a member of the Clinical Ethics Committee (CEC) at IHHN, delivered a compelling presentation titled “Dyadic Concordance in a Physician-Patient Relationship through Virtue Ethics.” Her talk focused on the importance of considering broad ethical frameworks including the Virtue Ethics while analyzing ethical issues and dilemmas and their influence in establishing good physician-patient relationships for better health outcomes. She emphasized on inculcating the virtues in teaching and training of healthcare providers as well.

At Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN), Clinical Ethics Committee (CEC) is a standing committee under the Medical Directorate to provide ethics consultations. This has a significant impact in improved patient care by navigating complex ethical dilemmas, preventing conflicts, promoting ethical decision-making and ensuring patient care. Overall, ethics consultations play a vital role in promoting ethical awareness, fostering a culture of integrity, and enhancing the quality of care within healthcare institutions.

Dr. Shamsi’s participation underscored the pivotal role of the Clinical Ethics Committee at Indus Hospital in navigating complex ethical dilemmas and promoting ethical decision-making. By sharing her experiences and insights, Dr. Shamsi highlighted the committee’s impact on improving patient care, preventing conflicts, and fostering a culture of integrity within healthcare settings.

The Congress provided an invaluable platform for Dr. Shamsi to share insights that can lead to adoption of ethical consultations and reinforce IHHN’s commitment to ethical decision-making and patient-centred care. Her presentation demonstrated the institution’s prioritization of values such as respect, integrity, and compassion, fostering a culture of ethics throughout the organization.

Moreover, the event facilitated networking and collaboration with researchers and policymakers, promoting the exchange of ideas and interdisciplinary approaches to healthcare challenges, and the development of innovative solutions.