Burns and gaps in biotech

The Bahawalpur tragedy exposed many gaps. The biggest one was the gap in our compassion. The vile arrogance of the holier-than-thou in ignoring the rampant poverty and challenges associated with deprivation was disgusting. The tragedy also exposed how deep the impact of poverty and illiteracy in our society is. Also exposed were the gaps in providing adequate care to those who suffer. This particular gap is closer to home for me and what I want to focus on.

There is no denying that despite the limited resources, many physicians, nurses and hospital staff did what they could. Yet they would tell you candidly that there was a glaring gap between what resources they had and what they needed. The question is not just of corruption and misappropriation of resources but also about lack of locally available, affordable and quality options. The burn injuries are just one of the many areas where solutions rooted in biotech and biomedical engineering can make the difference between survival and agonising death.

Globally, we are witnessing a transformative era in life sciences and biomedical technology, particularly in areas of improved patient care. Yet Pakistan has neither harnessed its potential nor benefited from the global opportunity. And while there is often discussion in the government development circles on innovation, health technologies that can improve patient care are often ignored.

For Pakistan, with its big burden of disease, the need for improved care and a significant interest in science and engineering among our youth, the opportunity is ripe. Yet, the success in the area has been lacklustre.

There are four major pillars on which patient-oriented biotechnology needs to stand in the country. The first is rigour and emphasis on fundamentals. There is no way to “wing it”. While the relationship of IT and computer science with underlying mathematics, probability theory and statistics is strong, the relationship between biotech and underlying fundamental biology is a lot stronger and substantially more critical. There is not going to be any biotech success without recognition of the importance of fundamental biology. Underfunding and de-prioritising biology in schools, and forcing students to choose between biology and mathematics, or biology and computer science is hardly the way forward.

The second pillar rests on breaking down silos. A stronger partnership between physical sciences, engineering and biological sciences is a must for translation of good ideas to the clinic. Similarly, creating opportunities for partnership between business and biology, biology and public health, engineering and pharmacy, are essential for successful ventures.

Speaking of ventures, the need for access to capital and appetite for risk cannot be understated. Credit should be given where it is due, and there have been positive developments by Punjab and K-P governments in creating ecosystems where investors, innovators and entrepreneurs are able to meet.

Finally, the fourth pillar is that of regulation. Creating a system where both the innovator is protected through better intellectual property, and where the consumer is safe with better and scientifically rigorous regulation, are absolutely critical. One should also be frank and say that the regulatory arm continues to underperform. Whether it is the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) or other similar ventures, the depth of understanding, the willingness to make a change and the commitment to transparency leave a lot to be desired.

The Bahawalpur disaster was a tragic event the likes of which we hope we never see again. But smaller incidents from trauma and violence to accidents continue to create misery and hasten the deaths of the most vulnerable. And while an emphasis on innovation in biomedical technology will not address the underlying issues, it may make caring for the vulnerable possible.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 4^th, 2017.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.