ISLAMABAD: The vice chancellor of Health Services Academy (HSA) on Thursday said it has opened an office of research innovation and commercialisation (ORIC) to generate funds and create job opportunities in line with the recommendation of the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

Dr Shahzad Ali Khan stated this at the inaugural ceremony of the ORIC and a new student affairs office on Wednesday.

Talking to Dawn, he said around 350 students were already studying in the HSA and doing masters of public health, health economics and Bachelor of Science.

“The number of students will be more than 500 in 2022. So we have established ORIC to start research work. Across the globe, universities become famous because of their research work as they do research for pharmaceutical companies. We have also established the student affairs office so that research would be carried out,” he said.

Dr Khan said HSA can prepare vaccines with the cooperation of pharmaceutical companies.

“Moreover, companies can contact us for research work. A number of medicines and vaccines have been introduced during the pandemic and we have become part of a few clinical trials,” he said.

“A diploma on vector control has been started and concept of lifestyle medicine has been given by HSA which gives an idea that food, sleep and exercise is essential for health and they should be taken as medicines,” Dr Khan said.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan spoke about importance of basic and applied research, the value of innovation and commercialisation during his discussion with ORIC Director Prof Dr Mubashir Hanif.

Dr Mamunur Rahman Malik, WHO representative for Somalia; Parliamentary Secretary Health Dr Nausheen Hamid, Secretary Health Aamir Ashraf Khawaja and health experts were also present.

Published in Dawn, December 24th, 2021