The partnership will enable joint research on integrative medicine, exploring avenues for its promotion as a formal means of treatment in the country. PHOTO: FILE
Highlighting the benefits of integrative medicine in Pakistan is the need of the hour. An initiative to popularise innovation in medical technique was taken by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) co-signed with the Pakistan Association of Integrative Medicine (PAIM), Islamabad.
The partnership will enable joint research on integrative medicine, exploring avenues for its promotion as a formal means of treatment in the country, said a press release.
The all-encompassing field of integrative medicine combines orthodox medical practices with evidence-based alternative medicine including immunotherapy, gene therapy, physiotherapy and counselling to enhance patient care.
Citing examples of similar practices in USA at the MoU signing ceremony, SDPI Executive Director Dr Abid Suleri highlighted that the Federal Drug Agency USA has approved medication for gene therapy.
“SDPI aims to carry on further research on this therapy to recommend the treatment to our health department”, said Suleri. He emphasised the need for research to further development policies in the country, particularly those pertaining to health care.
Elucidating on integrative medicine, PAIM President Mobashir Ahmed Bhatti explained that it is a holistic health care process achieved by facilitating engagement between patients and care-givers for maximising an exhaustive range of physical, psychological, social, preventive and therapeutic factors known to be effective and necessary for achieving optimal health throughout the human life span.
He requested the SDPI staff for full support in developing research and assessment of the products before its nationwide launch.
The event was also attended by Beijing Haidian Hospital Centre of Gene Therapy & Surgical Oncology Director Ding-gang Li and Beijing Show Cogent Bio-Technology Co General Manager Dr Yu Deng Wei, who promised comprehensive support to both the institutes.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 11th, 2014.
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