KARACHI: Vice Chancellor of Dow University of Health Sciences Prof Mohammad Saeed Quraishy has said that the rate of epilepsy patients in Pakistan is estimated at 9.99 out of 1,000 people and a study has found that “the number of people affected by Parkinson’s disease is estimated to be around one million.

“It is feared that this number may increase to 1.2 million in the next 10 years, ie by 2030.

“For the prevention of these two diseases, research is an important tool. The assistance between educational and research institutes has also dramatically improved healthcare in the global system. Pakistan is also paying attention to this, which will yield positive results.”

He said this while recently speaking at an agreement signing ceremony for the improvement of neurological healthcare in Pakistan, between Dow University Pakistan Society of Neurology and Getz Pharma.

The president of Pakistan Society of Neurology Prof Saleem Barech, chief executive of Getz Pharma and MD Khalid Mahmood also addressed the ceremony.

Prof Quraishy said that Dow University was doing commendable work in the field of medical research in Pakistan.

Under the leadership of Prof Kashif Shafiq, new research projects are planned, he added.

The agreement signing ceremony for neurology research grant was held between three collaborating bodies at the head office of Getz Pharma.

Dr Barech said that there was a huge lack of quality data and research in subject of neurology broadly and the neurology society was focusing on the area to improve it.

He appreciated the collaborating parties for stepping up and supporting them to develop research culture in neurosciences.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2021