The International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at the University of Karachi (UoK) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN) to promote translational health research in Pakistan. The agreement will foster collaboration in biological, biomedical, and clinical research, including clinical trials, between the two institutions.
The MoU was signed by Prof Dr M Raza Shah, Director of ICCBS, and Dr Syed Zafar Zaidi, CEO of The Indus Hospital, during a meeting held at ICCBS. The partnership aims to bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical applications, ultimately benefiting public health.
Speaking at the event, Prof Raza Shah highlighted ICCBS’s status as a premier academic and research institution in the developing world. He emphasized the institution’s advanced research infrastructure, including the Center for Bioequivalence Studies and Clinical Research (CBSCR), which houses Pakistan’s first internationally recognized clinical trial facility. He noted that the collaboration would enhance research efforts in biomedical sciences and facilitate cutting-edge clinical studies.
Dr Syed Zafar Zaidi underscored the importance of research-driven healthcare solutions, particularly in resource-constrained environments. He noted that The Indus Hospital, a not-for-profit health network, remains dedicated to providing safe and effective healthcare services across Pakistan. The MoU, he said, would contribute to expanding healthcare initiatives and research efforts in the country.
According to the agreement, ICCBS and IHHN will work together to translate scientific research into practical clinical applications. A key objective of the partnership is to develop innovative healthcare solutions tailored to the needs of the Pakistani population.
This collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening Pakistan’s biomedical research ecosystem and enhancing the country’s capacity for clinical trials and translational medicine.