Pakistan needs adequate quarantine facilities

Dr Muhammad Mukhtar, a renowned Pakistani scientist, while stressing the need for encouraging clinical research, has warned the country’s lacking in necessary quarantine facilities and trained doctors to deal with a potential viral outbreak of diseases such as Ebola.

According to a press release, Dr Mukhtar, who has worked at the Center for Human Virology and Biodefense (USA), has advised the government to establish an effective programme aimed at facing any untoward situation associated with emerging viral, bacterial or fungal infections.

He stressed such programmes should be part of the country’s national defense mechanism.

“The Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Ministry of Science and Technology can play an important role in this regard,” he opined.

Dr Mukhtar said that the country has been producing good clinicians but also need clinical researchers capable of coping with any Ebola-like emerging infectious diseases.

Dr Mukhtar suggested that Pakistan should follow the education system of the developed world and encourage physician-scientist programs, adding that a strong indigenous vaccine program is the best option for curtailing possibility of infectious diseases.

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), in conjunction with HEC, should introduce postgraduate curricula and mandatory medical research for the country doctors, Dr Mukhtar suggested.