MoU signed to promote academia-pharma industry linkages

KARACHI: A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Jinnah Sindh Medical University’s (JSMU) Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and PharmEvo, DVAGO, National Institute of Child Health (NICH), and Ehad Healthcare on Saturday to bridge the gap between academia and professional practices, says a press release.

The MoU was signed on the commemorative event of ‘2nd International Conference on World Pharmacists Day’ to celebrate the contributions of pharmacists across the industry. The session was arranged under the auspices of IPS-JSMU.

Addressing the conference, Principal IPS-JSMU Professor Huma Ali said that “This initiative will serve as a stepping stone to establish a system for young pharmacy grads across Industries, Hospitals, and Community Pharmacies for clinical practices, before pursuing their professional practices.”

JSMU acting Vice Chancellor Professor Shahid Rasul stressed that this step will help in orienting the students to industry practices, which is in line with the university’s vision of producing graduates who prove to be valuable assets for the industry and community.

Professor Nasir Saddal, Director NICH, welcomed the initiative and stressed the need for closer ties with the industry to guide the professional development of graduates.

Earlier, registrar JSMU Dr Azam Khan welcomed the guests and gave an introductory speech on the importance of pharmaceutical sciences.

The agreement aims to strengthen the practices and professional training of IPS-JSMU’s Pharm D students at hospitals, community pharmacies, and the pharmaceutical industrial sector. The alumni of IPS-JSMU took the podium to talk about the need for pharmacists in the healthcare system and the development of effective training programmes for undergrad students.