Karachi, October 07, 2022 (PPI-OT):Pakistan Society of Basic and Applied Neuroscience (PASBAN) in collaboration with Dow University of Health Science (DUHS), Pakistan Society of Neurology and AEIRC organized a two-day 8th Annual Neuroscience Conference at DUHS, Ojha Campus.
The conference was very well attended by Neuro Physicians, faculty members of DUHS and medical students of DIMC. The conference was supported by Dow University of Health Science (DUHS) and Medisure Pharma. Prof Dr Attaur Rehman, former federal minister for Science and Technology was the chief guest while Prof. Saeed Qureshi DUHS Vice-Chancellor graced the occasion as guest of honour at the inaugural session.
Many local and foreign experts shared their experiences with neurodegenerative diseases. Dr Sonia Siddiqui, the conference chair, welcomed the guests and highlighted the salient features of the conference. Speaking on the occasion, Prof Attaur Rehman said that neuroscience was an important field and needed attention at all levels. People in Pakistan still have misconceptions and superstitions about Alzheimer’s, epilepsy and Parkinson’s diseases, while the world has gone a long way in the field of neurosciences which is a multidisciplinary science.
The human brain is the most complex object of our universe. Neuroscience had seen significant development in recent years and several mental illnesses earlier believed to be incurable could now be successfully treated. He discussed in detail the progress made in his tenure as HEC chairman when Pakistan made tremendous progress and emerged as the country with the highest percentage of highly cited research papers as compared to India, he added.
Prof Muhammad Saeed Quraishy, DUHS VC, addressing the participants said that the brain is the most complex organ of the human body, which controlled all its functions. It produced our thoughts, actions, memories, feelings and experiences of the world.
There were billions of neurons in the human body and each neuron communicates with many other neurons to form circuits and share information. Hence, knowing the brain is of utmost importance. In an exhibition held in Dubai recently, the functions of the brain were explained through various electronic models, images and videos, which were very informative and urged the participants to have a look at it which will be very useful to enhance their knowledge.
Prof Athar Inam, Founding President PASBAN, said that his organization was formed in 2007 and it used to organize conferences regularly. First, five conferences were held in AKU, besides virtual conferences and this is the first conference being organized at the DUHS.
Former Chairman of the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association Dr Kaiser Waheed, said that in 2018 World saw one of the most prolific industry-academia partnerships when Novartis teamed up with Harvard University to develop implantable and injectable systems for different types of cancer.
An inspiring step indeed, but are there lessons to be drawn? Well of course yes, especially in the context of Pakistan. But before that, exploring the current challenges facing both industry and academia and the potential advantages to both as a result of collaboration can work as a springboard toward a win-win situation.
When it comes to industry, Dr Kaiser Waheed said challenges are manifold. The rising cost of doing business and depreciating rupee value is hurting the margins which in turn leave a meagre amount of money for any endeavours. But we have to make sure that this excuse should not deter us from exploring the enormous opportunity offered as a result of the wedlock between industry and academia. We can still mention a few shining examples from both disciplines despite all difficulties.
For instance, Medisure laboratories is doing everything possible in supporting academia financially, and intellectually and also behaving as a bridge to facilitate both sides of the equation. We must act today in order to preserve tomorrow. With all the creative energy at our command, let us begin an era of revolution. Let us renew our determination, our courage, and our strength. And let us renew our faith and our hope, Dr Kaiser Waheed further added.
Shields were presented to the Guests and speakers, members of the organizing committee. Organizers thanked Dr Kaiser Waheed Sheikh who sponsored the whole event and was also presented shield by the chief guest. Speakers highlighted the importance of neurosciences because these days many people are suffering from depression anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorders, and substance abuse. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of HEC also addressed the participants through the video link. Dr. Shgan Siddiqui from Harvard Medical University, USA was the keynote speaker who talked about Circuit-targeted neuromodulation in neuropsychiatry.
For more information, contact:
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Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS)
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Website: http://www.duhs.edu.pk/