The University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore has introduced a research award scheme for the students of its affiliated medical and dental colleges in a bid to promote and encourage medical research at the undergraduate level. Under the scheme, UHS will award cash prizes, along with appreciation certificates, to one of the best researchers from each of its affiliated medical colleges.
The principals of these colleges have been asked to submit three names, along with their research papers, to the university. UHS vice-chancellor Professor Malik Hussain Mubashar said: "It is the considered opinion of the health professionals world over that success in health care delivery depends upon the country's ability to conduct appropriate research."
"In developing countries, like Pakistan, with limited resources, it is important to provide evidence base for policy making," he said, and added, "communication of the results of the research to the policy makers and international scientific community should be the most important target of the researchers."
He further said: "It is sad to note that there is very little indigenous research going on in Pakistan, which ideally suited to the consideration of biological, political, socio-economical and technological context of the country." 'Paucity of research is mainly due to poor skills in research methodology and scientific writing,' he maintained.