ISLAMABAD: With the importance and requirement of DNA testing increasing across the globe, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU) has decided to launch DNA testing services through public-private partnership.

Vice Chancellor of university Prof Tariq Iqbal while chairing the 30th meeting of the university syndicate said currently specimens in oncology and genetic diseases were sent abroad due to the absence of the testing facility in the country.

“However, scientists at SZABMU can use their expertise to provide this service economically and save foreign exchange used in the process. Furthermore, PhD in clinical sciences is also being offered along with enhanced research budget so as to improve the quality of research,” he said.

Prof Tariq Iqbal presented the report of the recently conducted Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT). A total of 21884 students undertook the test which was prepared in line with PMDC guidelines. He said 16 persons were booked by law enforcement agencies for using unfair means in the test.

VC says currently many samples are sent abroad for testing consuming foreign exchange and lot of time

The syndicate gave approval for central induction for admission to the undergraduate programmes in all of its affiliated public and private medical and dental colleges.

The VC said that the policy was also in line with the PMDC regulations which directed medical universities to follow central induction policy for admission of students in MBBS/BDS programmes in affiliated medical and dental colleges registered with the university.

To improve medical health system in Islamabad, the university formed a committee with approval of the syndicate for standardisation of health system which will be chaired by MNA Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, also a member of the syndicate of the university.

“Health committee’s recommendations will be sent to the prime minister through the Ministry of National Health, once it submits its input,” added Prof Iqbal. He said the university was in the process of giving relief to citizens of the federal capital in lab tests on nominal rates.

The syndicate was informed about the excellent inspection report of the School of Dentistry by the Health Care Commission.

Professor Tariq Iqbal informed the meeting that currently 10 research projects were being carried out at the university while two research projects were in the process of registering their patents.

Senator Dost Mohammad Jeesar said the needy and non-affording patients should be facilitated so that they can have discounted medication and investigations.

MNA Major Tahir Iqbal referred to the government’s commitment to invest in the health sector and said technical expertise of SZABMU faculty members should also be involved to improve the health facilities at the federal level.

In addition to the senior parliamentarians, Tahir Ahsan, Dr Iqbal Memon, Dr Anser Maxood, Dr Bilal Ahmed, Dr Shakaib Anwar, Dr Moosa, Dr Altaf, Dr Shajee Siddiqui and Dr Anber Saleem also attended the meeting.

Speaking to Dawn, Dr Tariq Iqbal said there were many DNA-related tests which were not being performed in Pakistan so private labs send the samples abroad consuming foreign exchange and a lot of time.

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2024