COMSTECH in collaboration with Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), Karachi organized one-day hybrid training on “collaboration among OIC member states for promotion of research culture in medicines and vaccines through strengthening and upgrading the clinical trials” on Thursday.
The inaugural session was chaired by Maj. Gen. Aamer Ikram, Executive Director, National Institute of Health, Islamabad. Dr. Abdur Rashid, Director, Division of Pharmacy Services, DRAP delivered welcome address.
Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General, COMSTECH said that COMSTECH promotes soft image of Pakistan through its programmes in OIC member states. While discussing COMSTECH’s latest initiatives he mentioned health and agriculture programmes started by COMSTECH for African member states in collaboration with Islamic Development Bank and Al-Shifa Eye Trust. He said that COMSTECH has established consortium of excellence comprising best universities from OIC member states. He informed that COMSTECH has started scholarship scheme in collaboration with the member institutions of COMSTECH consortium of excellence. Dr. Choudhary appreciated the recent contribution of science and technology during the COVID pandemic. He said that capacity building for clinical trials is most important, because without clinical trials no vaccine or medicine can be developed.
In his inaugural address, the Executive Director, NIH, said all challenges bring opportunities along with them as well. There is a need to identify them and get benefit. He said it is all about joining hands and exerting collective effort to meet the challenges, and appreciated the contribution of all national institutions and individual scientists against the challenges raised by the COVID pandemic. He informed that we conducted first time phase III clinical trials in which 80,000 people participated, and the output was very successful. He said that we need to enhance capacity for vaccine development, and we are going to establish a specialized center for vaccine development. He appreciated the contribution and role of DRAP.
Director, DRAP, highlighted the role and contribution of the Authority and appreciated the organization of this event and recommended to have such capacity building joint events in future. More than 220 people participated in the event online and in-person.