An MoU signing ceremony for Neurology Research Grants (NRG) was held last Friday, between Pakistan Society of Neurology (PSN), Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), and Getz Pharma at their head office. Strict compliance with COVID 19 safety guidelines was observed.
Prof. Saleem Barech, President of PSN said that there is a huge lack of quality data and research in the subject of neurology broadly, and it is one of the prime focus area of the society to improve. He appreciated the collaborating parties for stepping up and supporting them to develop a research culture in neurology.
Prof. Muhammad Saeed Quraishy, Vice-Chancellor of DUHS, shared how partnerships are bringing major enhancements to the healthcare system globally. He appreciated Dr. Kashif Shafique, Director Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization, for innovatively supporting projects like NRG for scaling up overall healthcare services in Pakistan.
Dr. Jahanzeb Kamal, Director Medical Affairs for Getz Pharma, briefed about the project and how it will help to address the unmet medical needs in the neurology landscape. He shared that the current project offers a yearly grant of PKR 3.0 million to young researchers in neurology for Parkinson’s disease & Epilepsy.
The grant will be distributed based on the quality research scores of each proposal. To keep the processes transparent Getz Pharma has formed a steering committee that includes subject experts, who will review proposals online.
Khalid Mahmood, MD & CEO, Getz Pharma, sharing the vision of Pakistan’s leading drug manufacturer company emphasized how through research and innovation Getz Pharma is planning its local and global expansion.
Prof. Abdul Wasay (Aga Khan University), Prof. Maimoona Siddique (Shifa International Hospital), and Prof. Naila Shahbaz (Civil Hospital Karachi) all leading neurologists and researchers also shared their views. They appreciated the initiative taken by Getz Pharma and agreed on the need for research grants in neurology.