Chinese hospital, KU’s ICCBS sign MoU to cooperate in traditional medicine

The International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding with the Southwest Medical University Hospital, Luzhou, China, to promote cooperation in the field of traditional medicine.

The memorandum of understanding was signed in a special ceremony held at the Dr Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), University of Karachi.

ICCBS Director Prof Dr Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary and HASMU Director Prof Dr Yang Sijin signed the agreement on behalf of their institutions. Other Chinese officials and officials from the ICCBS were also present on the occasion.

A seven-member delegation of Chinese experts, led by Prof Dr Yang Sijin, is on a visit to the international centre. The delegation comprises leading Chinese experts, including Chen Mengli, Li Sulian, Dr Shi Houyin, Prof Dr Wang Qiong, Luo Xueting and Lei Bing.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Iqbal Choudhary said that both the institutions aimed to promote cooperation in the fields of traditional medicine, TCM treatment technology and traditional Chinese medicine research, transformation and industrialisation of scientific and technological achievement. He said these activities should be carried out in accordance with the laws and regulations of the respective countries.

The ICCBS was one of Pakistan’s most eminent centres of excellence, and one of the finest academic research establishments of chemical and biology sciences in the world, he said, adding that the centre was engaged in R&D of nutrition and health products.

He mentioned that the international centre was a cluster of many leading institutions that included HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry and Dr Panjwani Centre for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD). In addition to these two main institutions, the ICCBS had 10 research buildings that house some of the region’s most sophisticated laboratories, he maintained.

Prof Dr Yang Sijin said that HASMU was founded in 1983, and featured by the combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. This agreement encouraged cooperation in the field of nutrition and health, he said.

As per the MoU, it was agreed that exchanges of research staff and faculties would take place between the institutions, and this would develop linkages between academicians and researchers. This agreement would be effective for a period of five years from the date of signing.