PESH AWA R: Khyber Medical University is establishing International Centre for Regenerative and Cellular Medicines to provide a platform for research in medical disciplines and prepare students for meeting future challenges posed by global advancements and ensure provision of better healthcare services to people.

The centre, first of its kind in Pakistan, to be established at a cost of Rs1 billion in collaboration with Javaid Industrial Company (JIC) in KMU`s Institute of Health Sciences, Hazara, will become operational by the end of current year.

`This centre will focus on interdisciplinary researchin the areas of Nano medicine, cellular medicine, regenerative medicine, genomics, stem cell, artificial intelligence in health, robotic surgeries, telemedicine and augmented reality in medi-cal training to prepare medics in line with international standards and improve patients` care, KMU Vice-chancellor Prof Ziaul Haq told Dawn.

He said that launch of the centre would open new era of trainings and research opportunities not only for healthcare professionals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but also for the people of other provinces to receive state-of-theart facilities.

`We are collaborating with national and international organisations to pave way for research in various medical fields and ensure that the benefits of such partnerships triclcle down to people in the shape of better healthcare facilities,` he said.

Prof Zia said that currently KMU was carrying out different programmes with the technical assistance of foreign universities and organisations to ascertain the causes of health issues and respond to them in the light of research activities.

Dr Mohammad Ayaz, the chief executive officer of JIC, said that construction work and procurements for the centre had already started.

`Our specialised programme includes imparting training to next generation of healthcareprofessionals. It will allow physicians, surgeons and undergraduate students to enhance their clinical and surgical skills in a simulated and high-tech environment so that they can perform precise and innovative robotic-assisted surgeries,` he said.

Dr Ayaz said that they were collaborating with governments, organisations and communities to bring positive change and foster sustainable development worldwide as part of their commitment to innovation and excellence. `We leverage technology, data and evidence-based approaches to address complex challenges and promote inclusive growth,` he added.

He said that International Centre for Regenerative and Cellular Medicine was a flagship initiative of JIC to promote innovation in medical science and provide research support to national and international institutions, focusing on advancing new frontiers in healthcare.

The centre is meant to address complex medical challenges by fostering collaboration in research and development activities and bridging the gap between academia, medical practitioners and healthcare industry. The centre will supportresearch in emerging fields such as cellular medicine, precision medicine, gene therapy, Nano medicine, human-machine interfaces, robotic surgeries, genomic surveillance, bionic organs, bioinformatics and biotechnology.

Dr Ayaz said that the centre would also provide clinicians, researchers, scholars, and students a platform to collaborate on interdisciplinary research.

`We expect to foster groundbreaking research that will contribute to solving complex medical problems,` he added.

The focus of centre on these advanced Helds of study and research, especially in precision medicine, gene therapy, and robotic surgeries, ensures that it will play a 1(ey role in shaping the future of medical practice and healthcare innovation.

Additionally, it will concentrate on education and training, ensuring that healthcare professionals are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge in modern medical practice.

He said that a wide range of short courses, diplomas and certifications would be available, catering to the needs of medics seeking advanced knowledge in cutting-edge medical technologies and healthcare management.