Dr. Hira Sabih Baqai
Head, PCDA Women’s Forum
Dr Hira Sabih Baqai
HEAD OF PCDA WOMEN WING
Dr Hira Sabih Baqai, Head of the PCDA Women’s Forum, shared her views with Flare Magazine on diabetes care, women’s leadership, professional education, and the PCDA Women’s Forum’s initiatives during an interview. She also thanked the magazine for the opportunity to spotlight efforts to improve diabetes and metabolic health in Pakistan.
Flare: Dr. Hira, could you introduce yourself to our readers?
Dr. Hira: I am Dr. Hira Sabih Baqai, Consultant Diabetologist and Endocrinologist, with special interests in diabetes, obesity, thyroid disorders and PCOS. I also have the honour of serving as Head of the PCDA Women’s Forum.
I believe healthcare is not only about treating disease but also about prevention, education, awareness and empowering people to make informed health decisions. Through my clinical and professional work, I aim to contribute to better diabetes and metabolic health in Pakistan.
Flare: What is PCDA, and why is primary-care diabetes important?
Dr. Hira: PCDA—the Primary Care Diabetes Association—is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation dedicated to improving diabetes care in Pakistan through education, advocacy, research, prevention and capacity building.
Founded by the late Dr. Syed Mansoor Ali, PCDA was built on the recognition that primary-care physicians play a vital role in addressing Pakistan’s growing diabetes burden. Today, it has expanded to more than 50 cities and towns through 65 chapters across five regions.
Prof. Abdul Basit has also been a valued mentor and patron, providing guidance and support to PCDA’s mission. PCDA is a member association of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), reflecting its commitment to diabetes education, prevention and professional development.
Flare: What are PCDA’s major initiatives?
Dr. Hira: PCDA has developed several initiatives addressing diabetes care, education and professional development. The PCDA Women’s Forum empowers women healthcare professionals through education, leadership, research, advocacy and community outreach, while also addressing women-specific metabolic and endocrine health issues.
DEW (Diet & Education Wing) promotes evidence-based nutrition, diabetes prevention and practical lifestyle strategies for healthier living and better diabetes outcomes.
STEP (Student Taskforce for Education and Prevention) engages medical students and young healthcare professionals in diabetes education, awareness and prevention, helping develop future public-health ambassadors. The Diabetic Foot Group focuses on education, early recognition, prevention and appropriate management of diabetic foot disease to reduce preventable complications and amputations.
PCDA’s Podcast Series provides accessible, evidence-based discussions on diabetes, metabolic health and clinical practice, bringing experts together for healthcare professionals and the wider community. Its nationwide regional chapter network conducts educational sessions, screening activities, awareness programmes, community initiatives and professional meetings, taking diabetes education closer to the people.
Flare: How does PCDA use digital platforms for education and outreach?
Dr. Hira: Communication and education are central to PCDA’s mission. Its monthly newsletter, “Prevention First,” highlights chapter activities, clinical updates, research, educational articles, awareness initiatives and upcoming events.
PCDA’s official website provides information about its leadership, chapters, research, seminars, projects and educational resources. Its social-media platforms further extend this outreach through health messages, campaign materials, event updates, podcasts and educational content.
Flare: What are the major challenges in preventing and controlling the growing burden of diabetes?
Dr. Hira: Pakistan faces a significant and growing diabetes burden driven by changing lifestyles, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, obesity, stress and inadequate sleep.
A major challenge is that many people remain undiagnosed until complications develop. Limited awareness, inadequate screening and unequal access to quality healthcare further compound the problem.
We must move beyond a treatment-focused model and prioritise prevention, early detection, risk reduction and long-term management. This requires collaboration among healthcare professionals, communities, policymakers, educational institutions and the media.
“I believe healthcare goes beyond treatment to include prevention, education and empowerment. Through my clinical and professional work, I strive to improve diabetes and metabolic health in Pakistan”
Flare: How can the government help prevent diabetes? What policies are needed?
Dr. Hira: Diabetes prevention should be a national public-health priority. We need stronger screening and risk-assessment programmes through primary healthcare, better food labelling, healthier nutrition policies and measures to reduce excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and highly processed foods.
Flare: Can AI contribute to diabetes prevention and management?
Dr. Hira: Absolutely, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help identify people at high risk, analyse glucose and health data, recognise patterns, support clinical decision-making and enable more personalised care.
Combined with continuous glucose monitoring, digital health platforms and smart devices, AI can also encourage patients to take a more active role in managing their health.
However, AI should support—not replace—healthcare professionals. Its use must be guided by safeguards for privacy, accuracy, data security, ethics and accessibility. Technology is most valuable when it strengthens, rather than replaces, the patient-healthcare professional relationship.
Flare: What challenges do female doctors face, and how can the PCDA Women’s Forum support them?
Dr. Hira: Female doctors often balance demanding careers with family responsibilities and societal expectations, while facing fewer opportunities for leadership, mentorship, research, networking and professional recognition.
The PCDA Women’s Forum aims to provide a supportive platform where women healthcare professionals can learn, collaborate, lead and serve.
Flare: What is your vision for the PCDA Women’s Forum?
Dr. Hira: My vision is to build a strong, dynamic and recognised network of women physicians across Pakistan.
I want every member to feel valued and empowered to contribute. We aim to create opportunities for continuous learning, professional growth, leadership, research, collaboration and community service.
Most importantly, the Forum should be a platform where women physicians support one another, share knowledge and collectively contribute to improving diabetes and metabolic health.
Through collective action, we can strengthen women’s role in healthcare and contribute to a healthier Pakistan.
Flare: Finally, what message would you like to give the public about diabetes?
Dr. Hira: Diabetes is much more than high blood sugar. If poorly managed, it can affect the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves and overall quality of life.
However, many risk factors are modifiable, and early action can make a meaningful difference.
My message is simple: Know your risk. Get screened. Stay active. Eat wisely. Maintain a healthy weight and seek timely medical advice.
We should not wait for symptoms or complications before taking action. Through awareness, education, early detection and collective effort, we can change the trajectory of diabetes in Pakistan.
