Construction work on research institute starts
National University of Medical Sciences(NUMS) Vice Chancellor (VC) Wasim Alamgir performed the ground-breaking of the construction work of NUMS Institute of Advanced Studies and Research (NIASR).
The state-of-the-art Rs3.488 billion project will help the university remain abreast of the advancements and ever-changing trends in the fields of medical research.
VC Alamgir said the main focus of the area spread over an area of 3.99 acres would be research and development by establishing a state of the art 64-bed clinical trials unit, drug bioequivalence studies facility, biogenetics/ tissue and biobank, and an animal house.
The VC said that at the beginning of the 19th century the basis of treatment was research which benefited humanity, adding that Muslim scientists played an important role in this regard.
It was said that there had been a lack of research in Pakistan unfortunately but the completion of NIASR would help bridge this gap in research which would benefit the country.
He said this institute will conduct research on all the ailments prevalent in this region which would help find treatment for these diseases to help the people. He said the basis of medical treatment is research and NIASR is first of its kind research institute which would carry the basic research in all integrated subjects of medical science. He said NIASR would be a step forward in training human resources and use of latest equipment in the medical field. He was also given a detailed briefing, with help of the charts, on the development work of the project which was expected to complete by April 2024.
VC Alamgir said NIASR will provide clinical simulation and advanced skills training coupled with educational facilities which will also help resolve the long-standing problem of substandard and spurious drugs very effectively.
Project Director Syed Muhammad Nasir Zaidi said this institute comprises of advanced research labs to support basic and applied research in Microbiology, Immunology, Genomics, Biotechnology, Nanomedicine and Phytochemistry and Natural Products. He said this initiative will contribute to resolving the long-standing problem of substandard and spurious drugs in the country.
He said that currently a faculty of 60 highly qualified PhD faculty inducted for NIASR are involved in various research projects related to biological sciences, psychology, public health and nutrition at the NUMS campus.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 24th, 2022..