Shaping the Future of Clinical Trials in Pakistan
Rehman Medical Institute's (RMI) Clinical Trials Unit hosted a groundbreaking symposium titled "Future of Clinical Trials in Pakistan: Shaping the Future: Innovation and Partnership in Clinical Trials" on December 3, bringing together a distinguished gathering of experts, policymakers, and healthcare leaders. The event aimed to redefine the clinical trials landscape in Pakistan through collaboration and innovation.
Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Health, Ihtisham Ali, highlighted the government's commitment to advancing clinical research by announcing plans to establish a Provincial Clinical Trial Center. He acknowledged RMI's pivotal role in addressing the region's complex healthcare challenges. "Healthcare and education are critical sectors that cannot thrive without private sector involvement," he stated.
The symposium featured a compelling keynote address by Prof. Dr. Saeed Sadiq Hamid, Director of the Clinical Trials Unit at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. Prof. Dr. Ejaz Hassan Khan, Vice Chancellor of Gandhara University, lauded RMI as "the face of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's private medical sector" for its leadership and contributions.
RMI CEO Shafique Ur Rehman stressed the necessity of collective efforts in tackling Pakistan’s healthcare issues. "No single institution can resolve these challenges alone," he said, emphasizing the need for local and indigenous solutions tailored to the country’s unique priorities. He discussed the vital role of private institutions like RMI in healthcare and education, urging stakeholders to build infrastructure and establish regulations to foster a supportive environment for indigenous platforms.
The event also highlighted the active participation of leading institutions, including Aga Khan University Hospital, Shifa International Hospitals, Maroof International Hospital, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), and Clinical Trial Solutions - IQVIA. Their collaborative efforts, he noted, are essential not just for clinical trials but also for the broader advancement of Pakistan’s healthcare sector.
Luminaries such as Babar Saeed Khan from NUMS, Syed Munawar Ali from IQVIA, Dr. Malik Muhammad Asad from DRAP, and Dr. Saboora Waris from Maroof International Hospital enriched the symposium with their insights.
Prof. Dr. Baber Saeed Khan, Director of the Clinical Trials Unit at the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), praised RMI as "A shining example in Pakistan's healthcare landscape." He highlighted the establishment of RMI's Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) as an authentic and effective platform that will facilitate the development of investigative medicinal products and advanced clinical trials.
Prof. Dr. Maimoona Siddiqui, Director of the Clinical Trials Unit at Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, underscored the significance of such conferences in enhancing the medical community's knowledge and capacity for innovation.
Adding to this, Syed Munawar Ali, Senior Director & Head of Clinical Operations at IQVIA Pakistan, remarked, "There are very few top-tier clinical trial units in Pakistan, and RMI-CTU is one of them."
The symposium was a landmark event, setting the stage for a collaborative future in clinical trials and reinforcing RMI’s position as a leader in healthcare innovation. With its focus on building partnerships and advancing indigenous solutions, RMI continues to spearhead efforts to transform Pakistan's healthcare landscape.
