By Subhan Baloch
KARACHI: Sindh health minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho inaugurated the emerging Sindh infectious diseases research lab at Dow University of Health Sciences, describing the initiative as a historic move to reinforce the province’s capacity to deal with future health emergencies. The facility, established at a cost of Rs1bn, has been developed with Rs800m from the Sindh government, which will also cover the recurring annual operational expenses estimated at around Rs300m.
The laboratory has been set up at the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital and Research Centre near NIPA Chowrangi and is designed to improve early detection, research and containment of fast-spreading infections. Officials said the project would play a central role in strengthening disease surveillance and response systems in the province.
Speaking at the ceremony, the minister said Sindh had demonstrated national leadership by laying the groundwork for advanced research and equipping the public health sector with modern facilities. She added that the initiative would help Pakistan respond more effectively to epidemics and other health crises.
The event was attended by senior officials including health secretary Tahir Sanghi, universities and boards secretary Abbas Baloch and DUHS vice-chancellor Prof Nazli Hossain, along with faculty members, researchers and health professionals, who termed the project a significant boost for medical research and treatment of infectious diseases in the public sector.
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