KARACHI, Feb 22: The Dow University of Health Sciences on Thursday launched its first Scientific Journal to highlight developments in the medical field which would give clinicians and people an access to latest research.

Speaking at a launching ceremony at Arag Auditorium of the varsity, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Karachi, Dr Pirzada Qasim Siddiqui said there are two problems in publishing a scientific journal, first is the availability of publishing material and the second is finance.

Referring to the excellent faculty for research work and writing skills with the DUHS, Dr Qasim said the Dow University may overcome these problems as the Higher Education Commission is providing it financial support. He said the research material should be standardised because it will be assessed internationally. It should be published continuously because it is a need of our country to publish a medical scientific research general.

Vice Chancellor Dow University Professor Masood Hameed Khan in his welcome speech said there are 17,000 biomedical journals currently in publication and 4,000 of them are indexed in Medline internationally. Fifty six medical journals are registered and 40 are publishing regularly in Pakistan. He said the publishing of scientific journal bi-annually can be very helpful for medical graduates and post graduates.

He mentioned that the ultimate purpose of health research is to improve patients care. The publication of articles allows communication between researchers, clinicians and the public to varying degree. He mentioned that Dow University is giving so much importance to research and training that for this purpose many workshops and seminars are conducted under its auspices. He thanked to Higher Education Commission for supporting the research work. He mentioned that the scientific general will be available on line for international access.

The journal’s Editor, Nazeer Khan, presented details about the First Scientific Research Medical Journal of DUHS. Regional Director HEC Dr M.Iqbal; Principal Dow Medical College Professor Salahuddin Afsar; and Principal Sindh Medical College Professor Tariq Sharafullah were also present on the occasion.