The Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) at Rehman Medical Institute (RMI) recently hosted its annual symposium. The event focused on improving the quality, capacity, and global trust of clinical trials in Pakistan.
Healthcare professionals, researchers, and industry stakeholders attended the event. They discussed the current research landscape and explored opportunities to strengthen clinical research in the country.
Government Support for Clinical Research
The symposium included a CME-accredited session attended by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister of Health, Mian Khaleeq-ur-Rehman, as the chief guest.
During his address, the Minister highlighted the importance of advancing healthcare research in Pakistan. He emphasized the need to improve the national framework for clinical trials. According to him, stronger research systems can lead to better healthcare outcomes for patients.
Mohsin Ali Turk, Director of Legal Affairs at the KP Health Care Commission, attended the symposium as the guest of honor. He shared the regulatory perspective on clinical research and discussed the importance of compliance and transparency in clinical trials.
Key Focus Areas of the Symposium
The symposium explored several technical pillars essential for high-quality clinical research.
Experts discussed strategies to strengthen research capacity across Pakistan. They also highlighted ways to improve regulatory pathways and research management systems.
In addition, speakers stressed the importance of maintaining ethical, safe, and patient-centered research practices. These practices are essential for meeting international standards and ensuring public trust.
Building Global Confidence in Pakistan’s Research Sector
Another key discussion point was the need to build global confidence in Pakistan’s clinical trial ecosystem.
Academic institutions, healthcare organizations, and the pharmaceutical industry all share this responsibility. By improving transparency and adopting global standards, Pakistan can attract more international collaborations in clinical research.
Such partnerships can strengthen the country’s healthcare system and expand opportunities for medical innovation.
Expert Speakers Share Valuable Insights
A diverse panel of experts shared their knowledge and experience during the symposium.
Shafique Ur Rehman, CEO of RMI, and Prof. Dr. Naila Irum Hadi, Director of Research at RMI, outlined the institute’s vision for research development. They emphasized the importance of building strong research infrastructure and supporting innovation.
The session also featured academic perspectives from Prof. Dr. Saeed Hamid of Aga Khan University and Prof. Dr. Baber Saeed from the National University of Medical Sciences. Both experts discussed best practices for clinical trial management and academic research collaboration.
Industry and Regulatory Perspectives
Industry representatives also contributed valuable insights to the discussion.
Dr. Tanseer Ali from Tigermed Pakistan and Syed Munawar Ali from IQVIA Pakistan explained the operational challenges involved in global clinical trials. They discussed issues related to trial management, data quality, and international coordination.
In addition, regulatory experts shared their perspectives on compliance and safety monitoring.
Dr. Akhtar Abbas Khan from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and Abdul Rashid, former Chairman of the Clinical Studies Committee at DRAP, explained the importance of pharmacovigilance and regulatory compliance in clinical research.
Public Health and Innovation Perspectives
The symposium also included contributions from public health specialists and healthcare entrepreneurs.
Dr. Mazish Ijaz Awan, Dr. Umar Hayat, and Mr. Talha Javid discussed the operational and supply chain aspects of clinical studies. Their discussion highlighted the managerial challenges involved in running large-scale clinical research programs.
Meanwhile, Prof. Muhammad Irfan from Peshawar Medical College and Dr. Mazhar Jaffry, a healthcare entrepreneur, spoke about the connection between public health initiatives and clinical innovation.
