By Hina Kiyani
RAWALPINDI: The 2nd International Research Conference of Al-Shifa Research Centre titled “Landscape of Clinical Trials in Pakistan” was held here on Thursday with a focus on collaboration and integration for the rise of the clinical trial industry in Pakistan.
Held at Al-Shifa Eye Hospital Rawalpindi, purpose of the conference was to provide a comprehensive forum for experts and participants from the industry to exchange ideas and present a way forward for the promotion of clinical trials research in Pakistan. Speaking as chief guest at the conference, Prof Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Director at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) Karachi and Coordinator General COMSTECH highlighted the importance of promotion of the clinical trial industry which will lead to the development of the indigenous pharmaceutical industry and innovative medical devices in near future.
He pointed out that instead of being a service provider, we can be innovator in this field with both economic benefits as well as health sector sustainability for our country.
China has adopted the same model which was particularly highlighted in its fight with the Covid-19 pandamic, he added.
President Al Shifa Trust Eye Hospital Maj Gen (R) Rehmat Khan shed light on the performances of the Al-Shifa Research Centre and, highlighted the significance of clinical trials.
He highlighted how the trust worked in bringing the clinical trials industry to Pakistan under the guidance of Dr. Ume Sughra.
President Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital also mentioned services of the trust in recent floods including a donation of Rs60 million to the flood victims as well as providing basic medical care through free medical camps.
Dean and Chief of Medical Services Al Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Prof Dr Wajid Ali Khan, thanked Dr. Choudhary for showing the way forward with Al Shifa becoming a clinical trial site as Pakistan is being recognized in the international market as a region for conducting clinical trials which was previously limited to India in the region.
Seasoned researchers including Prof. Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, VC and Dean Health Services Academy Islamabad; Prof. Dr. Tanwir Khaliq, Vice-Chancellor PIMS Islamabad; Dr. Sadia Asim, Director, Dow University of Health Science and Prof Dr. Saima Saeed, Director Indus Hospital delivered keynote speeches.
Mr. Asim Munir, GM of DRK Pharma Solutions; Mr. Muhammad Tanseer Ali, Country Lead Tigermed and Dr. Adnan Zia Shah, Metrics Research, were also among the notable figures.
Researchers and attendees appreciated Al-Shifa Research Centre for organizing an informative and insightful event that provided a stepping stone towards the great potential of Pakistan for clinical trials.
