The Pakistani research center, National Institute of Health (NIH) is prestigiously known for its innovation and development in laboratory diagnosis of diseases and biomedical manufacturing. The institute has been diving deep since 1965 in meeting public health needs and creating international relations to improve research facilities. 

The article entails facilities offered by the research center, its role, and the scope of work. 

History

In its early years, the NIH focused on vaccine production for diseases such as polio, smallpox, and rabies. 

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the institute expanded its facilities and scope, establishing divisions for biological production, public health laboratories, and nutrition, thereby enhancing its research and response capabilities.

It has continued to modernize its facilities, embracing new technologies to improve disease diagnosis, surveillance, and control. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the NIH played a crucial role in testing and advising the government on health measures.

Facilities

• Center for Disease Control

It advises on epidemics, manages disease-specific programs, and develops emergency preparedness plans while collaborating with various organizations. The CDC also ensures the privacy and dignity of health information, working with authorities to maintain surveillance and implement testing and quarantine policies.

• Health Research Institute

It supports diverse medical research, evaluates proposals, oversees funded projects, and advises government bodies. The institute also fosters bioinformatics and collaborates with national and international research organizations.

• National Health Laboratory

NIH will set up advanced labs for complex analyses of human materials. It will act as a reference lab for rare and new research tests, collaborating with investigators as directed by the government or board.

• Health Data Center

The Health Data Center in Pakistan will serve as the central national repository for health information and data. It will collect, analyze, and store health and epidemiologic data, ensuring easy digital access. 

• Institute of Nutrition and Health

It will create educational materials, conduct capacity-building activities, and engage with universities for nutrition projects and research. Additionally, the institute will approve and commission research, and offer technical support to federal and provincial governments for nutrition intervention planning and implementation.

• Vaccine and Biological Products Center

The Vaccine and Biological Center in Pakistan will produce vaccines and biological materials, offer training programs, and collaborate with national and international research institutes on vaccine development and research.

• Center for Environmental and Occupational Health

The Center for Occupational and Environmental Health in Pakistan will evaluate hazards, develop national safety guidelines, and assist in policy formulation for environmental and occupational safety.

Courses Offered 

The College of Medical Laboratory Technology (CMLT) has been a distinguished institution in the country, providing high-quality training in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) since 1961. As an essential part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Islamabad, CMLT plays a crucial role in advancing medical laboratory education.

International Affiliations of NIH with Legal Bodies

The National Institute of Health (NIH) has established international affiliations with various legal bodies to foster collaboration, exchange expertise, and uphold legal standards in public health and medical research. Some of these affiliations include:

World Health Organization (WHO):

The NIH collaborates with WHO on various public health initiatives, including disease surveillance, immunization programs, and health policy development. This partnership ensures alignment with global health standards and guidelines.

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF):

Through its affiliation with UNICEF, the NIH contributes to efforts aimed at improving child and maternal health, including vaccination campaigns and nutrition programs.

International Health Regulations (IHR):

The NIH adheres to the guidelines and regulations set forth by the IHR, which are aimed at preventing the international spread of diseases and promoting global health security.

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO):

In matters related to intellectual property rights and patents for health innovations, the NIH may collaborate with WIPO to ensure proper legal protection and dissemination of research findings.

International Standards Organization (ISO):

The NIH may seek ISO certification for its laboratories and quality control processes, ensuring compliance with international standards for medical testing and research.

International Consortiums and Networks:

The NIH may participate in international consortiums and networks focused on specific health issues, such as infectious diseases or vaccine development, to share knowledge, resources, and best practices with partner organizations around the world.

Medical Journals and Publications (overview)

Several medical journals in Pakistan serve as valuable resources in the field of healthcare and research. The Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences (PJMS) covers various medical disciplines with original research articles and review papers. 

The Journal of Ayub Medical College (JAMC), affiliated with the Ayub Medical College, focuses on medicine, surgery, and allied health sciences. The Journal of Postgraduate Medical Institute (JPMI) in Lahore, along with the NIH, emphasizes postgraduate medical education and clinical studies. 

The Journal of Islamabad Medical and Dental College (JIMDC) and the Journal of Rawalpindi Medical University (JRMC) publish research reflecting the academic and clinical activities of their respective institutions.

Achievements of NIH

Quality Assurance Department

• ISO Certifications: Achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification for all departments in September 2019.
• Research Publications: Published over 7 research papers since 2018 and introduced the first cGMP guidelines in 2019.

Quality Control Lab (Biological)

• COVID-19 Vaccine Quality Control: Tested and released over 1.5 million doses of Pak Vac.
• Batch Testing: Tested and released over 630 batches of various vaccines, sera products, ORS, and WFI.
• Scientific Publications: Produced over 20 publications in the last two years by QCL scientific staff.

Allergy Center

• Patient Services: Served over 17.82 million patients.
• BioResource Center: Established the ASM-NIH BioResource Center.
• Longevity and Certification: Operating for over 35 years with ISO 9001:2015 certification.

Central Library

• BioResource Center: Established the ASM-NIH BioResource Center.
• ISO Certification: Achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification.
• Online Access: Provides online access to HEC-NDLP.

Drug Control Division

• ADB Grant: Procured high-tech equipment through an Asian Development Bank (ADB) grant.
• Research Publications: Published over 100 research papers in international journals.
• ISO Certification: Accredited with ISO 17025-2017 for federal laboratory and narcotic testing.