Riphah University and Maldives National University Hold International

Riphah University and Maldives National University Hold International Medical Education Conference in Malé

More than 100 medical educators from 40 institutions across 12 countries gathered in Malé for the Boutique International Conference on Medical Education hosted by Riphah and MNU.

NationPulse Desk

Oct 29, 2026 · 10:53 AM 2 min read

Key takeaways

More than 100 medical educators and healthcare professionals attended the conference.

Representatives came from 40 institutions across 12 countries.

Her Excellency Geela Ali, Maldives Health Minister, served as Chief Guest at the inaugural ceremony.

The next Boutique ICME will be held in Accra, Ghana, organized by WIUC and Riphah.

Networking events included a luncheon at Barcelos Restaurant and a gala dinner on Himmafushi Island.

Riphah International University of Pakistan, together with Maldives National University, hosted the Boutique International Conference on Medical Education (ICME 2026) in Malé.

Under the guidance of Riphah Chancellor Hassan Muhammad Khan, the meeting attracted more than 100 registered medical educators and health professionals from 40 institutions in 12 nations, offering a platform for academic collaboration, knowledge exchange and innovation in medical and healthcare education.

The inaugural ceremony featured Her Excellency Geela Ali, Maldives Minister of Health, as Chief Guest. Other notable attendees were Admiral (Retd.) Faisal Rasul Lodhi, High Commissioner of Pakistan to the Maldives; Mr. Mohammad Shougee, Chancellor of MNU; Mr. Hassan Muhammad Khan, Chancellor of Riphah International University; and Dr. Shenaz Adam, Vice Chancellor of MNU.

Keynote speakers included Dr. Divine Banyubala, CEO of the Medical and Dental Council of Ghana, and Prof. Vishna Devi. A delegation from Wisconsin International University College, Accra, Ghana, Dr. Julius Kwaku Adu-Ntim and Dr. Denise Awukubea Mantey, also took part.

Prof. Dr. Yawar Hayat Khan, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Riphah and President of ICME, outlined the conference's core purpose in his opening remarks.

"International collaboration, institutional partnerships and active knowledge sharing are essential to advancing medical education and preparing future healthcare professionals to meet global standards," said Prof. Dr. Yawar Hayat Khan.

A key announcement revealed that the next Boutique ICME will be held in Accra, Ghana, jointly organized by Wisconsin International University College and Riphah International University.

The schedule also allowed for professional networking and cultural exchange, featuring a luncheon at Barcelos Restaurant hosted by Riphah and a gala dinner on Himmafushi Island hosted by Maldives National University.

Riphah International University thanked Maldives National University, the participating institutions, delegates, speakers and organizers for their contributions to the conference's success.

Questions and answers

Who hosted the ICME 2026 conference in Malé?

Riphah International University and Maldives National University co-hosted the Boutique International Conference on Medical Education.

When and where will the next Boutique ICME be held?

The next conference will take place in Accra, Ghana, and will be jointly organized by Wisconsin International University College and Riphah International University.