UHS introduces GCP course for research supervisors، PG students

In positioning itself at the forefront of global clinical research standards, the University of Health Sciences (UHS) has charted a new course for research supervisors and postgraduate students alike, promising a brighter future for medical research.

During the 193rd meeting of the UHS Advanced Studies and Research Board, held under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor Professor Ahsan Wahid Rathore on Thursday, the institution unveiled plans to introduce the International Conference on Harmonization - Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP) course.

Under this initiative, research supervisors and postgraduate students at UHS will gain access to this international standard course. The move is expected to elevate clinical research not only within UHS but also in the wider medical research community.

This short course aims to provide the researcher with the basic principles of GCP and how these principles can be applied practically in the research setting. The course is aimed at all those involved in clinical research.

Mandatory GCP knowledge Tests for Supervisors

As part of this far-reaching decision, online GCP knowledge test will be made mandatory for supervisors overseeing programs such as MS, MD, MDS, MPhil, and PhD. This step aims to ensure that supervisors possess the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct clinical research at the highest standards.

Furthermore, existing supervisors will be granted a six-month window to complete the ICH-GCP course to obtain certification. The noteworthy aspect is that the university will shoulder the financial burden of certification expenses, facilitating a seamless transition to these new standards.

Global Relevance

The importance of this decision extends beyond UHS's borders. In many countries around the world, conducting clinical trials involving human participants requires research personnel to complete a similar online course. This move aligns UHS with global best practices in clinical research.

Dr. Isaac John's Expertise

The ICH-GCP course has been meticulously crafted by Dr. Isaac John, a distinguished British scientist, and a member of the UHS Research and Development Advisory Committee.  Dr. Isaac John is the founder and CEO of Metanoic Health Limited, and Associate Director of Research and Development at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Chertsey, Surrey, UK. Dr. John's extensive experience in the field promises to raise UHS's clinical research standards to unprecedented levels.

Enhancing Clinical Research Quality

The primary objective of this course is to enhance the quality and rigor of clinical research activities conducted within the university. By incorporating international standards, UHS is poised to set new benchmarks in the field.

Registration Details

Prospective registrants from the faculty and current supervisors should be prepared for the imminent commencement of the registration process for this transformative course. UHS VC has directed the Medical Education Department to initiate the process of registration.

Distinguished Attendees

The board meeting was attended by Dr. Isaac John, Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Nadia Naseem, Registrar Professor Sarah Ghafoor, and senior faculty members.