Punjab AIDS Control Programme (PACP) is successfully contributing its part in improving public health by enhancing diagnostic facilities for different infections along with the HIV. The PACP has taken a lead by introducing PACP Research Scholarships Scheme for Post Graduate students (M Phil & Ph D) all over the Punjab. The focus of these research proposals is mainly Microbiology, Virology, Molecular Biology, Epidemiology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Public Health, Physiology, Gender studies and Pathology.
In the first phase, 44 applications for PhD while 76 applications for M Phil were received. Ph D students will be awarded Rs 40,000/-, whereas M Phil students Rs 20,000/- every month. To maintain the quality of research work, these applications were evaluated by panel of experts from all over the province. It was informed by the Project Director PACP and Additional Secretary P&SH Department Dr Adnan Zafar, here on Thursday.
Dr Zafar further said that the selected students under this scheme will be provided sufficient space to polish their abilities to cope with objective oriented research. The lectures from nationally and internationally renowned scientists of respective fields will be arranged for these research students. The capacity building of students is the main focus of this program to produce skilled and trained man power that would be a valuable addition for the Country.
He said that this program is paving ways towards success by establishing the state of the art diagnostic facility for public health and emerging infections. The Advanced Reference Lab (ARL) under this project will serve as central point and will provide laboratory network between district and reference laboratories, moreover the ARL will also establish collaborations with international laboratories/reference centres. Current diagnostic facilities provided by ARL are Dengue virus testing (ELISA, PCR, Sertotyping), Hepatitis B & C virus PCR testing, Cryptococcus, testing, many other bacterial and viral infections and also providing facility for anti rabies vaccination.
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