RAWALPINDI: Pakistan has become a dependable country for clinical trials and is considered an important part of global research to combat the pandemic.

This was highlighted by experts during the first international research conference regarding results of the third and final phase of research about Covid-19, organised by Al-Shifa Trust.

Six hospitals were selected by the government for trials across the country. Al-Shifa Trust Hospital Research Centre completed trials of a maximum of 2,700 volunteers.

They noted that Pakistan turned the pandemic problem into an opportunity for research. As per participants of the conference, Pakistan is being considered as a model in dealing with Covid-19.

World Health Organisation Representative in Pakistan Dr Palitha Mahipala said Al-Shifa has helped the global effort against the pandemic, adding that health and research facilities in Pakistan have rapidly transformed to cope with the challenge.

Pakistani institutions should actively participate in local, regional and national clinical trials, testing new therapies for Covid-19 and this way the country could earn around $150 million annually, he said.

Chinese representative Ms Maria Song said pharma companies are encouraged by the response of Pakistani authorities as well as health and research facilities and the outcome of trials is promising.

Published in Dawn, December 10th, 2021