Joint Research On Vector-borne Diseases Urged

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Oct, 2016 ) : Joint research on vector-borne diseases particularly the Congo and Dengue fever in Sindh and Baluchistan is the need of the hour in order to take proper measures for their eradication.

Baluchistan also needs research on mental health as the people are suffering from depression and mental stress by the acts of terrorism. This was stressed at a joint meeting of Dadabhoy Institute of Higher education (DIHE) and Baluchistan University, held in Karachi, says an official of the institution here on Monday.

It said that the meeting presided over by the Rector DIHE, Prof. Dr. Shahana Urooj Kazmi and participated by Dr. Shahid Baber and Asadullah of Baluchistan University, decided to launch a joint project for research as early as possible for vector borne diseases.

Recommendations would also be sent to the Baluchistan government to take care of mental health of the people and establish mental and psychiatric health Institutions and Hospitals, it was decided.

The concept letter and PCI for the joint research project is to be sent to HEC for the approval of grants while international research institutes would also be exceeded for speedy research. Dr.

Shahana Urooj Kazmi maintained that the research projects immediately needed for Public health and the society are often not approved. She was of the view that the HEC has a practice that only 20 to 30 percent research projects are approved.

Dr. Shakeel Baber pointed out that the projects which are approved (with grants) are also facing hardships and blockage on account of new policy of `Reimbursement' of the expenditures instead of releasing the grant priorly.

How a research project is run if the fund is provided after expenditure; Dr. Shakeel said and suggested that HEC should establish some other system to check the corruption on part of research projects.

Asadullah pointed out that no data base was available in Baluchistan's institutions concerned with public health issues including the hazards of the vector borne diseases like Congo and Dengue.

He suggested that BU students would collect the samples for the proposed projects and the DIHE would provide lab-assistance for ascertaining the analysis and to get results. The DIHE and BU decided to launch joint research as early as possible after completion of the necessary arrangements; the process of approval by HEC and funding of the projects by the HEC or any foreign Institution.

Dr. Shakeel Baber regretted that no assistance could be provided by BU in January and February as the Institutions are closed on account of rough winter and the snowfall. However, exchange of students program including study tours is to be started immediately. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Rakhshanda Baqai and Dr. Marium Bibi of DIHE.