RMU Booklet in Word

ORIC
Annual Report
2023
Table of Contents
MESSAGE BY THE VICE-CHANCELLOR RAWALPINDI MEDICAL UNIVERSITY........................................1
SECTION-1:...................................................................................................................................... 2
INTRODUCTION TO RAWALPINDI MEDICAL UNIVERSITY...................................................................2
1.1 VISION OF RMU..............................................................................................................................3

1.2 MISSION OF RMU............................................................................................................................3
SECTION-II:...................................................................................................................................... 4
RAWALPINDI MEDICAL UNIVERSITY-OFFICE OF RESEARCH INNOVATION AND..................................4
COMMERCIALISATION..................................................................................................................... 4
1.3 VISION OF RMU- ORIC....................................................................................................................5

1.4 MISSION OF RMU- ORIC..............................................................................................................5
1.5 AIMS & OBJECTIVES.....................................................................................................................5
1.6 ORIC TEAM.....................................................................................................................................................................6
1.7 ESTABLISHMENT OF RMU-ORIC 2019................................................................................................7
1.8 MEMBERS OF RMU-ORIC, 2019...................................................................................................8
............................................................................................................................................................. 8
1.9 MEMBERS OF RMU-ORIC, 2022...................................................................................................8
1.10 ORIC ORGANOGRAM, 2022....................................................................................................9
............................................................................................................................................................. 9
JOB DESCRIPTION OF ORIC MEMBERS......................................................................................................................................9
1.10.1 Director..............................................................................................................................9
1.10.2 Manager of Research Operations & Development..........................................................10
1.10.3 Manager Research Operations........................................................................................10
1.10.4 Manager of University-Industrial Linkages.....................................................................11
1.10.5 Manager Intellectual Property/ Legal Services...............................................................11
1.10.6 Publication Specialist......................................................................................................11
SECTION -III................................................................................................................................... 13
RMU-ORIC POLICIES AND FORMS................................................................................................... 13
2.1 EXTERNAL & INTERNAL FUNDING FOR RESEARCH PROJECTS....................................................................................14

2.1.1 SOPs for External Funding..............................................................................................14
2.1.2 SOPs for Internal Funding...............................................................................................15
2.2 AUTHORSHIP POLICY.....................................................................................................................................................16
2.2.1 Policy Statement...............................................................................................................16
2.2.2 Authorship criteria...........................................................................................................16
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2.2.3 Objectives.........................................................................................................................17
2.2.4 Authors sequence.............................................................................................................17
2.2.5 Intellectual Property of RMU & Allied Hospitals...........................................................18
2.2.6 Collaborative research projects......................................................................................18
2.2.7 Dispute Resolution...........................................................................................................18
2.2.8 Declaration of the source of funding...............................................................................19
2.2.9 Conflict of Interest...........................................................................................................19
2.2.10 Ethical Approval..............................................................................................................19
2.2.11 Alteration.........................................................................................................................19
2.3 POLICY ON RESEARCH MISCONDUCT...........................................................................................................................20
2.4 GRANT DISPERSAL POLICY (RMU-ORIC)...........................................................................................21
2.5 RMU-ORIC WEB PAGE..............................................................................................................................................28
2.6 ORIC STEERING COMMITTEE (ORIC-SC)............................................................................................29
2.7 ESTABLISHMENT OF INNOVATION & TECHNICAL COMMITTEE (ITC)..........................................................31
2.8 CENTRE FOR CLINICAL ARTFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (CCAI).........................................................................31
2.9 COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS BASED ON ARTFICIAL INTELLIGENCE WITH NATIONAL CENTRE OF ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE NCAI-NUST AND NEUROCARE AI ACADEMY................................................................................................32
2.10 PROJECTS SUBMITTED BASED ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE................................................................................32
2.10.1 University Post Graduate Research Lab Complex..........................................................33
(PC-1 is submitted to HEC)...........................................................................................................33
SECTION VI:................................................................................................................................... 35
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING & LINKAGES.......................................................................35
6.1 MOU SIGNED WITH INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITIES.......................................................................................................36

6.2 MOU SIGNED WITH NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES................................................................................................................37
6.3 National Collaborations For Student’s Research (Institutional Research Level)..................39
FUNDING AGENCIES....................................................................................................................... 41
5.1 LIST OF FUNDING AGENCIES.........................................................................................................................................41
SECTION VII:.................................................................................................................................. 42
RESEARCH PROJECTS..................................................................................................................... 42
5.2 INTERNATIONAL LINKAGES AND MOUS......................................................................................................................43

5.3 NATIONAL LINKAGES AND MOUS...............................................................................................................................44
5.4 COMPLETED PROJECTS..................................................................................................................................................45
5.5 APPROVED PROJECTS....................................................................................................................................................47
5.6 SUBMITTED PROJECTS...................................................................................................................................................50
5.7 PATENT PROJECTS.........................................................................................................................................................51
5.8 MISCELLANEOUS PROJECTS..........................................................................................................................................52
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5.9 PROJECT 1.....................................................................................................................................53

5.9.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................53
5.10 PROJECT 2................................................................................................................................53
5.10.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................54
5.11 PROJECT 3................................................................................................................................55
5.11.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................55
5.12 PROJECT 4................................................................................................................................56
5.12.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................56
5.13 PROJECT 5................................................................................................................................57
5.13.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................57
5.14 PROJECT 6................................................................................................................................58
5.14.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................58
5.15 PROJECT 7................................................................................................................................59
5.15.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................59
5.16 PROJECT 8................................................................................................................................60
5.16.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................60
5.17 PROJECT 9................................................................................................................................60
5.17.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................61
5.18 PROJECT 10..............................................................................................................................61
5.18.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................61
5.19 PROJECT 11..............................................................................................................................62
5.19.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................62
5.20 PROJECT 12..............................................................................................................................62
5.20.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................63
5.21 PROJECT 13..............................................................................................................................63
5.21.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................64
5.22 PROJECT 14..............................................................................................................................64
5.22.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................64
5.23 PROJECT 15..............................................................................................................................64
5.23.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................65
5.24 PROJECT 16..............................................................................................................................65
5.24.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................66
5.25 PROJECT 17..............................................................................................................................66
5.25.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................66
5.25.2 Project 18.........................................................................................................................67
5.25.3 Summary..........................................................................................................................67
5.26 PROJECT 19..............................................................................................................................67
5.26.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................67
5.27 PROJECT 20..............................................................................................................................68
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5.27.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................68
5.28 PROJECT 21..............................................................................................................................69
5.28.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................69
5.29 PROJECT 22..............................................................................................................................69
5.29.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................69
5.30 PROJECT 23..............................................................................................................................70
5.30.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................70
5.30.2 70
5.31 PROJECT 24..............................................................................................................................70
5.31.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................71
5.32 PROJECT 25..............................................................................................................................71
5.32.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................71
5.33 PROJECT 24..............................................................................................................................71
5.33.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................72
5.34 PROJECT 25..............................................................................................................................72
5.34.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................72
5.35 PROJECT 26..............................................................................................................................73
5.35.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................73
5.36 PROJECT 27............................................................................................................................73
5.36.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................74
5.37 PROJECT 28..............................................................................................................................75
5.37.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................75
5.38 PROJECT 29..............................................................................................................................75
5.38.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................75
5.39 PROJECT 30..............................................................................................................................76
5.39.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................76
5.40 PROJECT 31..............................................................................................................................77
5.40.1 Summary..........................................................................................................................77
PUBLICATIONS (INTERNATIONAL).................................................................................................. 77
SECTION VIII:................................................................................................................................. 79
OFFICE OF RESEARCH INNOVATION AND COMMERCIALIZATION (ORIC)..........................................79
HEALTH CERTIFICATION COURSES.................................................................................................. 79
6.1 CERTIFICATE HEALTH RESEARCH COURSE.................................................................................80

6.1.1 Rationale & Needs Assessment........................................................................................80
6.1.2 The vision of the Course..................................................................................................81
6.1.3 The mission of the Course................................................................................................81
6.1.4 Aims & Objectives............................................................................................................81
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6.1.5 Learning Outcomes..........................................................................................................82
6.1.6 Program Specifications....................................................................................................82
6.1.7 Teaching Faculty.............................................................................................................83
6.1.8 Eligibility Criteria............................................................................................................84
6.1.9 Application Procedure.....................................................................................................84
6.1.10 Program Evaluation.........................................................................................................85
6.2 THE LADY SANGEETA FELLOWSHIP IN GENETICS AT RMU........................................................87
........................................................................................................................................................... 87
SECTION IX.................................................................................................................................... 89
CONFERENCES (NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL)..........................................................................89
7.1 1ST ANNUAL FACULTY RESEARCH CONFERENCE........................................................................................................90

7.2 2ND ANNUAL RESIDENT RESEARCH CONFERENCE........................................................................................................92
7.3 ISO 9001:2015 QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (QMS) TRAINING COURSE, 18TH JAN, 2023.................95
7.4 RESIDENT RESEARCH FORUM CONFERENCE, 2021...............................................................................96
SECTION X..................................................................................................................................... 97
OFFICIAL COLLABORATIVE ORIC VISITS TO DIFFERENT INSTITUTIONS.............................................97
7.5 ORIENTATION VISITS TO HEC WITH VC-RMU.....................................................................................98

........................................................................................................................................................... 98
7.6 N-OVATIVE HEALTH TECH (NUST), ISLAMABAD ................................................................................. 98
........................................................................................................................................................... 98
7.7 OFFICIAL VISIT AT NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PARK (NSTP-NUST).........................................99
7.8 ORIC-RMU OFFICIAL VISIT TO INSTITUTE OF SPACE TECHNOLOGY (IST)...............................................100
7.9 ORIC-RMU OFFICIAL VISITS TO THE DEPARTMENTS OF RMU FOR RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AND UPGADATION OF
LABORATORIES........................................................................................................................................................................101
7.10 INDUSTRIAL LINKAGE WITH HEALTH PROFESSIONALS........................................................................................102
......................................................................................................................................................... 102
7.11 VISIT OF YOUNG PRE-MEDICAL STUDENTS (BEACON HOUSE SCHOOL SYSTEM, ISLAMABAD CAMPUS) TO
HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AT RAWALPINDI MEDICAL UNIVERSITY.......................................................................................103
......................................................................................................................................................... 103
7.12 RMU-ORIC CAPACITY BUILDING ACADEMIC CALENDER, 2023......................................................104
SECTION XI:................................................................................................................................. 105
WORKSHOPS/SEMINARS/PROGRAMS..........................................................................................105
7.13 WORKSHOP ON “RESEARCH ARTICLE WRITING AND GETTING IT PUBLISHED”......................................106
SECTION XII................................................................................................................................. 108
RAWALPINDI MEDICAL UNIVERSITY-OFFICE OF RESEARCH INNOVATION AND COMMERCIALIZATION

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Annual Report
2023
BUDGET....................................................................................................................................... 108
SECTION XIII:............................................................................................................................... 110
PUBLICATIONS (JOURNAL OF RAWALPINDI MEDICAL UNIVERSITY & STUDENTS JOURNAL OF

RAWALPINDI MEDICAL UNIVERSITY)............................................................................................ 110
9.1 JOURNAL OF RAWALPINDI MEDICAL UNIVERSITY....................................................................................................111

9.2 SCOPE OF JRMC..........................................................................................................................111
9.3 JRMC WORKFLOW PROCESS....................................................................................................................................112
......................................................................................................................................................... 113
9.4 STUDENT JOURNAL OF RAWALPINDI MEDICAL COLLEGE......................................................................
113
9.5 RMU NEWSLETTER....................................................................................................................................................114
9.6 EDITORIAL POLICIES....................................................................................................................................................115
9.6.1 Objectives.......................................................................................................................115
13.6.2 Editorial freedom & independence....................................................................................115
13.6.3 Manuscript withdrawal by the author...............................................................................115
13.6.4 Peer review process..........................................................................................................115
13.6.4 Ehical committee...............................................................................................................115
13.6.5 Plagiarism prevention.......................................................................................................115
13.6.6 Citations............................................................................................................................115
13.6.7Confidentiality....................................................................................................................116
13.6.8 Journal Ownership............................................................................................................116
13.6.9 Copyrights.........................................................................................................................116
13.6.10 Disclaimer.......................................................................................................................116
SECTION XIV:............................................................................................................................... 117
GUIDELINES DEVELOPMENT......................................................................................................... 117
10.1 GUIDELINE FOR ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE............................................................................................................119

10.2 GUIDELINE FOR DENGUE......................................................................................................................................120
DENGUE CLINICAL MANAGEMENT........................................................................................................................................120
MANAGING PATIENT LOAD....................................................................................................................................................120
FUTURE PERSPECTIVE.................................................................................................................. 121
SECTION XVI:............................................................................................................................... 122
REFERENCES AND LINKS............................................................................................................... 122
10.3 ELECTRONIC SOURCES...........................................................................................................................................126

RMU - ORIC
Annual Report
2023
Message by the Vice- Chancellor
I feel humbled to present the RMU-ORIC 1st annual Report 2019-20. Core
functions of Universities Includes creation and dissemination of knowledge. They
play a pivotal role provision of higher education, research, and innovation which
results in the advancement of societies and economies. They foster economic
growth, strengthen technological progress, and enhance job creation. In today’s
competitive environment, I am confident that RMU will be successful in creating a
research based culture and develop new partnerships with other research-intensive
institutions. These partnerships will not just be about transferring knowledge from
lab to practice; they will provide an opportunity to the faculty and students to pursue
foundational research, exchange ideas and develop into a center for social change.
Professor
Dr.Muhammad Umer
(Gastroenterologist)
Vice Chancellor
Rawalpindi Medical
University
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SECTION-1:
Introduction To Rawalpindi Medical
University
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Rawalpindi Medical University has its humble beginning as the Rawalpindi medical
College, established about four decades back in 1974. The college proved itself as one
of the leading medical institutes of Pakistan and was later upgraded to the status of the
University by the Government of Punjab in 2017. The university has its
administrative offices located at the Old Teaching Block, Tipu Road and New
Teaching Block, Holy Family Hospital in the beautiful city of Rawalpindi.
1.1 Vision of RMU

o To impart evidence-based research-oriented medical education
o To provide the best possible patient care
o To inculcate the values of mutual respect and ethical practice of medicine
1.2 Mission of RMU
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SECTION-II:
Rawalpindi Medical University-

Office of Research Innovation and
Commercialization
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Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC) established at the

University in July 2019 as per guidelines of the Higher Education Commission
(HEC), Islamabad for all Universities/DAIs of Pakistan to establish “Offices of
Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC)”.
Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC) provides end to end

services for all matters about research & development, innovation, commercialization,
patents, collaborations, arranging seminars/ symposium/ conferences/ workshops, etc
and/or research publication honorarium. By and large Office of Research, Innovation
& Commercialization (ORIC) is the focal point for all research-related activities of
the University. ORIC facilitates the University researchers (faculty members and
scholars) to promote their research work both nationally and internationally.
Research excellence in all fields of study is central to the mission of Rawalpindi

Medical University and a pinnacle priority for the department of research, as the key
elements to the success of the university’s that need to be preserved. As technologies
have grown more sophisticated and emerging industries have become more high-tech,
Universities have become more important players in the process of invention,
innovation, and commercialization. Universities have become more entrepreneurial
and look towards technology transfer into non-traditional fields, there is a need for an
alternative conceptualization of technology transfer that is more accurate and realistic
than the traditional linear model.
1.3 Vision of RMU- ORIC
The office’s vision is to enable and lead RMU to a To be the best medical university
by promoting world-class biomedical research and creative research activities that
develop knowledge-based economy depending upon innovation and entrepreneurship
which contributes to improve the health care system and social advancement for the
people of Pakistan and benefit humanity as a whole with a standard of excellence.
1.4 MISSION OF RMU- ORIC
Transforming Rawalpindi Medical University to drive high impact innovation,

applied research and entrepreneurship.
Develop, expand, and manage the research programs and link research activities to the
educational, social, and economic priorities of the university and its broader
community.
1.5 AIMS & OBJECTIVES

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The RMU-ORIC aims to:
1. Manage and enhance research activities at RMU which includes acting as a

secretariat for the advanced studies and research board and ethical board.
2. Develop research policies and priorities which include management,

administration, supervision, monitoring, and coordination of all research-
related activities and explore new themes of research and research agenda
of RMU.
3. Work for fundraising and acquiring grants for research and development
both nationally and internationally. Increasing and diversifying external
research funding.
4. Supporting the university’s strategic research directions and plans.
5. Promote capacity building activities within the RMU not only in the field of
research.
6. Mobilize faculty and resources to produce quality research publications.
7. Improving integration of research and education at all levels of the university.
8. Support and facilitate faculty and student’s efforts to expand the area of
human knowledge, creativity, and forms of expression.
9. Improve the Human Resource Development Program and explore funding

for the establishment of Research Labs at various Departments.
10. Strengthen international linkages based on collaborative research proposals for

international funding.
11. Hold regular scientific seminars, symposium, etc. and promote the culture of
interaction and sharing of scientific knowledge with researchers around the
world.
12. Improving the translation of research into public benefit.
13. Strengthening university-industry relationships.
14. Promoting entrepreneurship, technology transfer-transfer, and

commercialization activities that energize and support the local and
national economy.
15. Promoting and enhancing cross-cutting and multi-disciplinary

research initiatives.
1.6 ORIC Team
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Patron-in Chief
Professor Muhammad Umar, Vice-Chancellor
Director
Dr. Uzma Shaukat
Manager Research Operations & Development

Dr. Huma Shafique
Manager Innovation and Industrial Linkages

Dr. Asif Maqsood
Publication Specialist
Dr. Arslan Manzoor Mughal,
Manager Finance
Mr. Shahzad Muneer
Assistant Registrar
Mrs. Sundas Iqbal
Research Coordinator
Dr. Asif Maqsood
Budget & Account officer

Mr. Kashif Zaheer
1.7 Establishment of RMU-ORIC 2019
• Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC) was established

at the University in July 2019 as per guidelines of the Higher Education
Commission (HEC), Islamabad.
• ORIC provides end to end services for all matters about research &
development, innovation, commercialization, patents, collaborations,
arranging seminars/ symposium/ conferences/ workshops, etc and/or research
publication honorarium.
• Prof. Dr. Naeem Akhtar, Prof. Dr. Asad Tameezudin Nizami, -Dr. Shireen
Rafiq, Dr. Amna Noor, Dr. Arslan Manzoor Mughal and other dedicated
members laid the foundation of the office.
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1.8 MEMBERS OF RMU-ORIC, 2019
1.9 MEMBERS OF RMU-ORIC, 2022
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1.10 ORIC ORGANOGRAM, 2022
Job Description of ORIC Members

1.10.1 Director
o Manage and enhance the research activities of the university

o Develop Research policies.
o Work for fundraising for research and mobilize faculty, the business
community, and industry for research commercialization.
o Work as an effective advocate for research with the university and to its
broader community of stakeholders and supporters.
o He will work in close liaison with the board of advance studies and
research/office of sponsored research, Business/technology Incubators and
University Science & Technology.
o Draft and monitor department budget
o Oversee IP webpage, in conjunction with the web committee
o Work with Development Office to promote Institute IP success stories to
leverage commercialization efforts.
o Collaborate with the Principal Liaison for Technical Marketing and Licensing.
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1.10.2 Manager of Research Operations & Development
o Supports the externally and internally sponsored projects.

o Provide pre- and post-award support and ensure compliance and sponsor
regulations.
o Develop, maintain, and communicate pre- and post-award administrative
procedures for externally sponsored projects.
o Support faculty with grant proposal submissions.
o Support faculty regarding contracts, progress reports, and sponsor-related
grant actions.
o Support faculty regarding post-award grant management,
o Coordinate internal and external reporting needs and maintenance of HEI’s
database.
o Develop and maintain the award process web pages.
o Work with the Director of Research Strategy to set goals and responsibilities
within the research office and to monitor procedural efficiencies.
o The Manager of Research Development provides an overall vision for the
institute research portfolio.
o Identify a strategy for research that promotes multidisciplinary collaboration
within the university.
o Develop a structure for the mentorship of junior faculty.
o Facilitate collaborations among faculty through identifying research interests
and providing opportunities to communicate.
o Provide information about the grant process to faculty.
1.10.3 Manager Research Operations

o Provide inspired leadership for the organization.
o Make important policy, planning, and strategy decisions.
o Develop, implement, and review operational policies and procedures.
o Assist HR with recruiting when necessary.
o Help promote a company culture that encourages top performance and high
morale.
o Oversee budgeting, reporting, planning, and auditing.
o Work with senior stakeholders.
o Ensure all legal and regulatory documents are filed and monitor compliance
with laws and regulations.
o Work with the board of directors to determine values and mission, and plan for
short and long-term goals.
o Identify and address problems and opportunities for the company.
o Build alliances and partnerships with other organizations.
o Support worker communication with the management team.
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1.10.4 Manager of University-Industrial Linkages
o Promote the development of public-private partnerships.

o Support of university research projects and link the university’s research
community with the needs and priorities of the corporate sector.
o Develop opportunities for applied research.
o Explore opportunities for technology transfer.
o Commercialization of university research.
1.10.5 Manager Intellectual Property/ Legal Services
o He will work and support the university research boards and ORIC.
o Review and analyze all new invention disclosures.
o Identify and establish collaborations and licensing agreements associated with
the Institute’s intellectual property.
o Identify potential synergies for University with non-profit research Institutes
and academic licensing offices
o Actively license university technology
o Track the success of university technology in the hands of licensees
o Conduct collaborative research agreement.
o Review for researching a contract with outside institutions
o Oversee any litigation that may arise related to Institute
1.10.6 Publication Specialist

o Assists the editor in departmental budget preparation; administers the
budget daily; receives checks and insures correctness.
o Assists the editor in posting position vacancies and coordinating
interviews with prospective employees; maintains confidential files on
prospective employees.
o Lists manuscripts to be used in the next publication before taking to
the printer.
o Estimates the number of pages from galley proof and informs the editor if
all materials selected can be used in the forthcoming issue.
o Records date of proof's return to each author as well as files biographical

sketch for editor's contributor column; writes authors who fail to return
proof or biographical data by a designated date.
o Collates corrections on author's and proof reader's copies of galley proofs

and enters corrections on editor's galley proofs.
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o Collects "first page proofs" from the printer; proofreads "first-page proof";
numbers pages when the editor has determined the order in which each
article, story, poem, and book review is to appear and makes up the table
of contents for the printer.
o Composes correspondence for the editor's signature to contributors,

calculates amounts, and sends checks to contributors for an article submitted.
o Receives requests from publishers and authors concerning the reprinting

of articles that appear in publications.
o Checks monthly status reports ensuring that all charges are correct and
that expenses are not exceeding budget allotment.
o Estimates the cost for printing each issue of publication as well as verifying
the actual cost entered on the printer's bill, before submitting payment.
o Supervises the mailing of each publication.
o Completes and submits application forms for the copyright of each issue
that is published.
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SECTION -III:
RMU-ORIC Policies and Forms
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2.1 External & Internal Funding For

Research Projects
Rawalpindi Medical University ORIC envisions and plans to prepare a certain number
of research proposals per year. The faculty will submit their proposals to ORIC for
onward submission to HEC or other funding agencies. The ORIC shall provide
secretarial assistance in the preparation and submission of Research Proposals and
will pursue the follow-up with the HEC or other funding agencies.
2.1.1 SOPs for External Funding

1. ORIC would identify the areas of research and opportunities for potential
grants or funding.
2. Research proposals should be relevant to Pakistan’s Socio-Economic needs, to
be achieved from the forum of RMU.
3. Faculty Members of the university shall submit their project proposals on the
prescribed application form (if any) set by the relevant funding agency to
ORIC for onward submission to the concerned funding agency.
4. ORIC shall provide prescribed application Performa (if any) for research
funding on the university website.
5. ORIC will facilitate Faculty Member/Principal Investigator (P.I) to develop a
proposal according to the requirements and prescribed forms of the concerned
funding agency.
6. All the research proposals for HEC and other funding agencies shall be
processed through ORIC. ORIC will assess if the proposed project fulfills the
requirements of submission to the funding agency.
7. All research proposals shall be submitted to ORIC well before the deadline set
by the funding agency for completion of required formalities. In case of any
delay in submission, the ORIC shall not be responsible and proposals shall be
turned down. Proposals completed in all respect shall only be considered for
processing and endorsement of the Vice-Chancellor RMU.
8. The ORIC shall scrutinize the project proposal in the light of
guidelines/procedures, specified by the concerned funding agency. If the
project proposal is found complete in all respect, the same shall be sent to the
concerned funding agency after completion of codal formalities.
9. ORIC shall be responsible to get the updates on a project proposal submitted
to the funding agency(s) during the process of scrutiny, review, and approval
of the same.
10. The Principal Investigator (P.I) of Project shall be responsible to make sure
that all communication (written & oral) including replies/answers of
queries/observations communicated by the funding agency should be
shared/processed through/by keeping ORIC updated.
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11. P.I and Co-PI are required to provide necessary documents to ORIC, as and
when required by the funding agency, within the deadline period. In case of
failure, ORIC shall not be responsible for the rejection of application(s).
12. In case of approval of the project from the funding agency, the PI will be
responsible to complete all the documentation/follow rules and procedures
through ORIC as per the requirement of the respective agency.
13. PI of the project will also be responsible to follow the rules and regulations of
the concerned funding agency regarding the following:
a. Project Financial Management
b. Project General Administration
c. Project Procurement Management
d. Project Human Resource Management/Staff Hiring
e. Project Monitoring and Evaluation
Efforts shall be made to approach the relevant funding agencies for obtaining external
funding for the research projects submitted by faculty and students of RMU.
However, in case of the non-availability of external funding, RMU will provide an
internal grant to faculty for the research projects, on case to case basis, through the
University Research Committee.
2.1.2 SOPs for Internal Funding
The research project received at ORIC shall be forwarded to at-least one reviewer
within or outside Rawalpindi Medical University. The overall score for review of the
research project will be 100, distributed equally on the following five scoring criteria:
A. Significance
a. The project should address an important problem or a critical barrier
to progress in the field.
b. The project should contribute to the body of scientific knowledge.
c. The objectives of the project should be achievable.
d. The project should have significant practical implications for all the
stakeholders of the relevant field.
B. Investigator/Researcher
a. The investigators, collaborators, and other researchers involved in the
project should be capable of executing a research project.
b. The leadership approach, governance capability of the principal
investigator should be appropriate for the execution of the project.
C. Innovation
The project should address some novel theoretical concepts, approaches,
methodologies, instrumentation, and/or interventions.
D. Approach
The design, method, procedure, and analysis should be logical and
appropriate to accomplish the objectives of the project.
E. Environment
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The proposed project should be designed according to the available institutional

support, equipment, and other physical resources.
The decision shall be taken on the application based on the overall score provided by
the reviewer for which the criterion is as under:
Overall Score Decision
70 or above To be funded
50 to 69 To be sent back to the investigator to incorporate the changes
recommended by the reviewer
49 or below be rejected
Revision of applications: When considering a revised application, the ORIC shall

ensure that proposed changes have been incorporated, based on which decision for
approval or rejection of the application will be taken.
2.2 Authorship Policy
2.2.1 Policy Statement

Authorship implies accountability and responsibility for scholarly publication. He
authorship policy refers to all processes related to publication processes and explicitly
determines the person to be credited as author on basis substantive intellectual
contributions to a paper. This policy provides a guideline to the author and helps them
to understand their role in taking responsibility and being accountable for what is
published. This policy is not restricted only to the author but also includes
contributions of each person having participated in a submitted study, at least for
original research. The purpose of developing criteria for authorship is to clearly
distinguish authors from other contributors.
2.2.2 Authorship criteria
The ICMJE recommends that authorship be based on the following 4 criteria:

o Substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work; or the
acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data for the work
o Drafting the work or revising it critically for important intellectual content
o Final approval of the version to be published
o Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that
questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are
appropriately investigated and resolved.
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In addition to being accountable for the parts of the work he or she has done, an
author should be able to identify the role and contribution of co-authors and should
have confidence in the integrity of the contributions of their co-authors.
ICMJE also states that: “Each author should have participated sufficiently in the work
to take public responsibility for appropriate portions of the content. One or more
authors should take the responsibility for the integrity of the work as a whole, from
inception to published article.”
2.2.3 Objectives
The basic purpose of this policy is to establish uniform authorship requirements

The policy should be followed by all researchers affiliated with the Rawalpindi
Medical University (RMU) & allied hospitals and also by all Partner universities
working in collaboration with RMU& allied hospitals.
2.2.4 Authors sequence
Author
o An author is an individual who has made substantial intellectual
contributions to a scientific investigation
o Authorship sequences should be decided in the early phase of the planning
of research work. Each author should be clear about his/her share of work
which should be decided by a mutual understanding of all authors. Each
author must be prepared to take the responsibility for the assigned task
with complete ownership.
The first author (Principal investigator)

The first author (Principal investigator) is the one responsible for the conception and
design of the study. The principal author should have a major contribution to the
overall research process
Corresponding Author
The corresponding author will be the one affiliated with Rawalpindi Medical
University & allied hospitals and should have a permanent position within the
University. The corresponding author should be nominated after mutual consensus
between all authors and will be responsible for all sorts of communication required
during the publication process. The corresponding author will be responsible for all
editing and corrections suggested by reviewers and keep all authors on board during
this process.
Multiple authors
For multiple authors, the sequence of names of the author should represent the
contributions made by each of them. All authors must have written documentary
proof of their scholarly contribution which can be asked from them at any stage.
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2.2.5 Intellectual Property of RMU & Allied Hospitals
"Work was undertaken at Rawalpindi Medical University& Allied Hospitals" should

be specified even if an author submits a manuscript and publishes it after leaving
RMU. This also implies a student who has left the program after graduation.
Under no circumstance should anyone affiliated with RMU& Allied Hospitals,

whether as an employee, student, or volunteer; publish data owned by RMU, or RMU
& Allied Hospitals faculty without permission from the owner of the data.
Research work of undergraduate students /CPSP PGTs /MD/MS students must be
published under the affiliation with Rawalpindi Medical University& Allied
Hospitals. Under no circumstance should anyone affiliated with RMU& Allied
Hospitals, whether as an employee, student, or volunteer; publish data owned by
RMU, or RMU & Allied Hospitals faculty without permission from the owner of the
data
2.2.6 Collaborative research projects

In collaborative research projects, it is mandatory that all researchers have read
University Intellectual right policy carefully and agreed to all its constituents and has
signed the intellectual property Performa and bound to provide written documentary
evidence of it.
In such joint projects, the researcher must have read and complied University Ethical
Review Policy, authorship policy, and research misconduct policy.
Every research work has to be present before the Ethical Review Board and Ethical
approval should be sought before the initiation of the project.
Ghost/honorary Authorship: Ghost author is one who does not fulfill the criteria of
authorship or the one whose name is included in authors without mutual consensus.
2.2.7 Dispute Resolution

To avoid dispute authorship should be determined before the initiation of research
through mutual agreement between all authors.
If a dispute arises over authorship, its resolution should be sought professionally

through mutual consultation with all researchers.
The principal investigator will be held responsible for dispute resolution among team
members
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Despite all above-mentioned measures if dispute remained unresolved then following

measures then relevant departments may be approached in the following order:
o Director ORIC
o Dean of the Department
o The competent authority (whose decision will be final and binding on all
parties)
If the paper is being processed and submitted for publication and all the above
mentioned measures fail to resolve the dispute then journal editor may be
communicated in writing.
2.2.8 Declaration of the source of funding

All sources of funding must be acknowledged appropriately, whether internal or
external funding.
Sources of support for the work, including sponsor names along with explanations of
the role of those sources if any in study design; collection, analysis, and interpretation
of data; writing of the report; the decision to submit the report for publication; or a
statement declaring that the supporting source must be mentioned in clear terms
2.2.9 Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest exists when professional judgment concerning a primary interest
(such as patients' welfare or the validity of research) may be influenced by a
secondary interest (such as financial gain). Perceptions of conflict of interest are as
important as actual conflicts of interest. Since scholarly writing and research
publication has great influence promotion criteria of faculty and overall university
ranking, so it can be a potential source conflict regarding authorship credit. Other
sources may include monetary benefits like honorarium, patents, employment, and
others.
It should be mandatory to declare a conflict of interest at the time of submission.
2.2.10Ethical Approval
No manuscript can be submitted for publication if ethical approval or exemption of
the study has NOT been obtained. The Principal Investigator of the study should
obtain ethical approval or exemption (where applicable) for the study.
2.2.11Alteration
These guidelines will be reviewed periodically by ORIC-RMU can be customized as
and when required.
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2.3 Policy on Research Misconduct
Research Misconduct policy is intended to ensure the highest level of integrity and
quality in conduct, reporting, and dissemination of research.
Misconduct in research is defined to include any one or more of the following acts:
o Plagiarism in all research-related matters including publications, appropriation
of another’s person ideas, processes, results, outputs or words without giving
appropriate credit
o Inappropriate use of others’ intellectual property (without reference or
acknowledgment)
o Non-compliance with institutional policies on conflict of interest, intellectual
property rights, and authorship guidelines
o Deliberate misuse of institutional or sponsor’s funds for financial gains
o Deliberate destruction of one’s own or others’ research data or records
o Violation (non-compliance) of the code of ethics for research as established by
the University
Reporting of Research Misconduct
o The initial report of the misconduct should be in writing or documentary
evidence to the Dean / Director of a specific unit of the University who may
direct it to the head of the respective academic department for verification.
o On receiving a report with evidence, the Director ORIC can initiate an
investigation by requesting a Dean/Director ORIC set up for this purpose to
submit a complete report of findings and advise on penalties, if any to be
imposed.
Procedure of Inquiry
o Dean / Director in whose office the allegation charges are files will set up an
initial inquiry to assess whether or not the matter is a breach of any of the
University’s policies of good conduct in research.
o The faculty member whose research or act of violation of research integrity is
the subject of the investigation shall be notified about the complaint without
disclosing the identity of the initiator.
o An inquiry committee shall be appointed by the Dean ORIC on request of
Dean of the concerned department. Joint Committee will submit a written
report of inquiry proceedings. All Inquiry proceedings must be recorded and
transcribed on paper as well to fulfill legal requirements.
o If dispute remained unresolved then Competent authority (whose decision
will be final and binding on all parties) will be consulted.
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o If an outside sponsor/collaborator is also involved in research, the report of the

inquiry committee should be shared with the concerned organization or
individuals
o The whole inquiry process must be completed in 30 calendar days.
o If research misconduct is not proven, diligent efforts will be undertaken where
appropriate to restore the reputation of people under investigation.
o Copies of inquiry report, supporting documents, and decision making must be
retained by ORIC Director for 5 years.
2.4 Grant Dispersal Policy (RMU-ORIC)
In order to support and systematically organize research and commercialization

activities in the universities, Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has
introduced and established the concept of Offices of Research Innovation &
Commercialization (ORIC) in the universities (1). Researchers and academicians are
envisioned to remain engaged with their research through ORIC by communicating
with their respective funding bodies at national and international levels to get research
funding opportunities. ORIC will assist and facilitate the departments in getting
grants, its dispersal as well as sponsoring and organizing seminars/presentations on a
specific subject. ORIC will going to arrange the capacity building initiatives for
faculty in areas to Research, Technology, Innovation, and Academics.
RMU-ORIC Policy for Dispersal of Funds:

Research grants/fund/scholarship/fellowship allocated to Rawalpindi Medical
University to support research related activities will be processed under the auspices
of ORIC.
1. ORIC will be responsible for further dispersal of grants to various departments
for certain aspects of research and related activities on priority basis.
2. The research funds will be distributed on the recommendations of ORIC, and
quality of research will be assessed periodically. The funds will be allocated to
the Principal Investigators (Deans, HODs and Faculty members) of the
allocated departments to support research and innovation.
3. As per HEC rules, 5-15%, of the grants, out of total amount will be dispersed
directly into the ORIC official account which in turn will be utilized to
facilitate research activities either research projects, up-gradation of
laboratories, conference or maintenance of equipment.
4. All faculty of the university is eligible for submitting their application for
financial assistance to ORIC. All proposals will be reviewed by the ORIC
Committee including Deans and finally approved by worthy Vice Chancellor.
5. To degree programs (Level of students undergraduate, MD / M. Phil, PhD) to
prioritize relevance to laboratory needs and requirements and to enhance
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equitable access for students in research workshops/conferences/training in

collaborative institute.
6. Basic framework for dispersal fund will be
i. Base Grant 65%
ii. Need Grant 20%
iii. Performance Grant 15%. Grants will be deposited in ORIC amount and
will be further utilized through ORIC and after approval of VC of the
university as per HEC rules.
7. Approved funds by the funding agency may be released in 2 to 3 installments.

First installment of approved funds may be released within 2 to 3 weeks after
submission of legal agreement. In case of international funding agency, it may
take more time. However, all funds shall be released by any funding/donor
agency in favor of the VC or Treasurer. If funds are released in favor of P.I,
he/she is required to report/intimate ORIC immediately for further necessary
action and completion of required formalities. Under no circumstances, funds
received for any type of research grant be operated through personal bank
account, violation may lead to legal action according to university rules.
8. Finance section, RMU shall send a copy of Funds Release Letter along with
copy of cheque to ORIC, RMU for file record, reference and for future
correspondence with funding agency.
9. Quarterly and annual financial statement of the project account shall be shared
with ORIC and placed in the case file in ORIC for monitoring, reporting and
record.
10. After receiving of funds in the university, P.I shall initiate a request to ORIC
for opening of joint project account in the concerned bank and to be operated
by P.I and treasurer.
11. Any fund available for indirect overhead cost in the external funded projects
shall be utilized for ORIC operational expenses only (to meet the office
support, utilities etc.) as per funding agency policy. In this regard, a separate
bank account shall be opened in the concerned bank to be operated by
Director/Head (ORIC) or his nominee and Treasurer or his nominee.
12. On completion of each phase/installment of the project, funds utilization report
duly signed by the Director, ORIC, PI and university auditor shall be
submitted to concerned funding agency.
13. In case of delay in release of funds (2nd& 3rdInstallments), finance section of
RMU shall make sure the availability of funds and release an advance
(adjustable) from research fund/or any other budget head of RMU in lieu of
2nd& 3rd Installments so that ongoing project activities should neither be
hampered nor stopped.
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14. After completion of external funded project, balance amount if any, shall be
reimbursed to the funding agency or prior approval from concerned funding
agency shall be obtained for utilization of balance funds in the same project to
enhance the project scope or compensate for the inflationary premium.
DETAILS OF UNIVERSITY OVERHEADS:
Higher education institution allows three levels of university overheads or

institutional costs, as a percent of the total direct cost of the project: 5%, 10%, and
15% mentioned in detail as:
Basic 5% Extra 10% Performance 15%

Basic cost covers projects The higher education The HEI may demonstrate
that do not require allocation Institution is responsible to superior performance on
of dedicated office space or provide support staff (daily behalf of the ORICs or other
dedicated secretarial or wage clerical or manual research management
support staff. It covers the labor, secretariat staff), institutions
basic research support campus expenses (e.g., use
services, i.e., accounts of dedicated office, unit, or
management, project building), utility costs, cost
reporting, auditing, office of access to digital resources
supplies (e.g., pens, staplers, (e.g., Digital Library),
or stationery), and maintenance of scientific
monitoring and evaluation. equipment, and/or access to
Researchers are expected to laboratories.
use their own offices and
regular university facilities.
POLICY POINTS
KEY OBJECTIVES OF THE ORIC:
The core objectives of the ORIC in accordance with ORIC Policy 2022 include:
● Professional research support system to enable their Principal
Investigators/faculty members to attract research funding.
● Enhance research quality, relevance, and competitiveness, and promote
innovation and commercialization at HEIs.
● Capacity building activities.
● Sustain university-based research through strategic planning, rationalization of
internal processes, organizing resources for research, promulgation of research
achievements, identification of collaborations, and development of affiliations
with key external associates.
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FUNDING OBJECTIVES:
Keeping in view the above core strategic objectives, the research funds will be
distributed on the recommendations of Research and Development (R & D) division
of university, and quality of research will be assessed periodically.
When the funding body provides a grant to the ORIC of the university to support a
research project, it is typically divisible into direct cost and indirect cost which is
called as administrative cost.
Direct Cost:
Out of total cost, 67-75% of the funds are distributed directly to the
researcher/Principal Investigator (Deans, HODs and Faculty members). This “direct
costs” portion supports
a) Researcher salaries,
b) Degree programs (Level of students undergraduate, MD / M. Phil, PhD) to
prioritize relevance to laboratory needs and requirements
c) Support and enhance equitable access for students in research training in
collaborative institute by providing monthly stipend
d) Laboratory equipment and supplies
Indirect/ Administrative Cost:

Out of total, 25-33 percent covers necessary research infrastructure that the university
provides to support the research. These research infrastructure costs officially called
as facilities and administrative costs, which support research expenses including:
a) State of the art research laboratories
b) High-speed data processing
c) Support all biosafety levels of containments (BSL-1-BSL4)
d) Patient safety (e.g., human subjects protections)
e) Personnel required to support essential administrative and regulatory
compliance work, maintenance laboratory and staff
Allowance of Direct and Indirect Cost Expenditures and Limitations
The following general conditions apply to the provision of personnel costs and
limitations by Higher Education Commission (4):
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Sr # Name of a Personnel Expenditures Costs Limitations

1. Principal Investigator Time cost of Faculty members may allocate a
(HODs, Deans and researcher calculated maximum of 25% of their time to
faculty members) on the basis of their research projects. Personnel costs
gross salary (i.e., billed against a faculty member's
basic pay, admissible time may be paid to them as
allowances), project honorarium, provided that
multiplied by the the total honorarium received in
time committed to any year is no more than 25% of
the project. For their gross salary. If a faculty
example, if a faculty member wishes to allocate more
member contributes than 25% of their time to research
2 months to a projects, the university will have
project, and she/ he to certify in writing that their
has a gross salary of teaching duties have been
Rs. 200,000 per reduced proportionately, and that
month, the project the corresponding amount has
will be able to been deducted from their salary
charge Rs. 400,000
for their
time.
2. Students/Trainees University students Subject to approval of their
may be engaged as supervisors, and based on their
Research Assistants course load, PhD students at the
at the following thesis stage will be allowed to
scales: allocate between up to 80% of
∙ PhD students: Rs. their time to research projects;
80,000 per month, those who have to take courses
full time equivalent may allocate up to 20%. MD/
(FTE), times the MPhil/ students may allocate
time only
up to 20%. However, PhD
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Committed to the Students with course loads may,

project. with the consent of their
∙ MD/ MPhil supervisors, allocate up to 40%,
Students: Rs. 80,000 provided they reduce their course
FTE per month, load by a quarter, thereby
subject to maximum extending the duration of the
time cap of 20% degree programs. Only the
(i.e., an average of university's own students can be
one day per week). included. The university, in its
∙Undergraduate discretion, may provide a tuition
students: Rs. 60,000 waiver to students engaged as
FTE per month, research assistants
subject to maximum
time cap of 20%
3. Other project Regardless of the The billed amount would be the
personnel actual amounts paid multiple of the permitted gross
to project staff, the salary, multiplied by the time
billed amount would allocated for the project (as per
be based on normal cent of FTE). Each person
university salaries, appointed to project should
e.g. receive a formal contract,
∙ Research specifying all the terms of
Assistants: (BS/ employment, including salary,
MS/MPhil) benefits, and the duration of
equivalent to engagement. Project employment
lecturer. should not create an entitlement
∙ Research Associate: or expectation of full-time regular
(fresh PhD), employment.
equivalent to
Assistant. Prof.
∙ Research Fellow:
(PhD with 9 years'
experience)
equivalent to Assoc.
Prof.
∙ Senior Fellow (PhD
with 15 years'
experience)
equivalent to
Professor.
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The following general conditions apply to the provision of equipment, consumables

and services costs:
Sr # Items Description
1. Equipment ∙ Scientific lab Equipment: tools and equipment used in
laboratories for research work relevant to the project.
Some examples are DNA sequencers, electrometers, or
spectrometers.
∙ IT equipment: E.g, servers, network equipment, routers,
or communication equipment.
∙ Office Equipment: laptops, desktops, scanners, printers.
∙ Specialized Software/ IT Applications: e.g., LabView,
AutoCAD, MATLAB.
2. Consumables ∙ Lab Chemicals: e.g., chlorates, persulfates, peroxides,
oxidizing acids, methanol, ethanol, or reagents.
∙ Glassware: e.g., beakers, flasks, or test tubes.
∙ Plastic wares: e.g., pipettes.
∙ Expendable supplies: e.g., preserving and cleaning
material, fuel, medicines, personal protective equipment,
i.e., gloves, masks, or surgical caps.
∙ Accessories: small accessories used routinely in labs,
e.g., kits, PCR plates, ladders, sealers, magnetic stands
3. Services Access to scientific equipment: cost of access to
sophisticated lab or research equipment not available in
host institution.
∙ Service contract for repair/ maintenance of purchased
scientific equipment: The service cost should not exceed
25% of the cost of current price of the similar model
∙ Subscription to open access journals or publications:
∙ Management Cost for organizing national level
conferences, workshops, or seminars: in cases, where
such dissemination of research results are outsourced to
external professional bodies.
Travel Cost covers expenses of project team (faculty and

students) related to field work, participation in project
meetings, attending national or international conferences
a) Travel Cost or workshops to present research results from the project.
a. Prior authorization must be obtained for each project-
related travel.
b. Travel budget must be justified by providing purpose
of visit, the city, the country, the number of travelers,
and
estimated costs per visit.
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2.5 RMU-ORIC Web Page
Officially RMU-ORIC website has been established. Contact information and email
addresses of all ORIC members have been placed on the ORIC webpage. Visit RMU
ORIC web page to search departmental Research Activities
https://rmur.edu.pk/oric/
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2.6 ORIC Steering Committee (ORIC-SC)
Office of research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) has established the

ORIC steering committee for provision and research direction management of the
research method to develop quality medical education system and to demonstrate
excellence in teaching, learning and research.
The administrative set up and the functions of the department is as under:
Sr Name Designation
No
01 Prof. Dr. Mohammad Umar Vice Chancellor & Chief Executive,
Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU) & Allied
Hospitals, Rawalpindi
02 Prof. Jahangir Sarwar Khan, Principal,
Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU), Rawalpindi
03 Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmood Chairman,

Baig Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), Islamabad
04 Ms. Noshaba Awais Director (Research for Innovation),
Higher Education Commission (HEC), Islamabad
05 Lt Gen (R) Mohammad Asghar Member of the Commission,
06 Maj Gen(R) Saleem Ahmed Pro-Vice Chancellor,

Khan National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS),
Rawalpindi
07 Mr. Amjad Hussain Director R & D,
08 Dr. Mohammad Akhtar Abbas Director Licensing Division, Drug Regulatory

Khan Authority of Pakistn, (DRAP) ISlamabad
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09 Dr Kamran Siddiqui Professor in Public Health, Department of Health

Sciences, University of York, UK
10 Dr. Uzma Shaukat Director RMU-ORIC

Post Doc, PhD Medical Genetics
11 Dr. Huma Shafique Manager Research Operations and Development
PhD, Molecular Genetics
12 Mr. Shahzad Muneer Manager University Industrial Linkages and
Technology Transfer, Chartered Accountant
13 Dr. Abid Hassan Manager Intellectual Property/Legal Services
Sr Demonstrator, Department of Pathology
14 Dr. Arsalan Manzoor Mughal Publication/Communication Specialist
Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy
15 Dr. Ifra Saeed Research Associate
Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy
16 Dr. Saima Ambreen Research Associate
Associate Professor, Department of Medicine
17 Dr. Khola Naureen Research Associate
Assistant Professor, Department of Community
Medicine
18 Dr. Sidra Qaiser Research Associate
Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology
19 Dr. Rizwana Shahid Research Associate
Assistant Professor, Department of Community
Medicine
20 Dr. Osama PGT Research Associate
Department of Nephrology
21 Mr. Kashif Zaheer Accountant
Budget and Account Officer
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2.7 Establishment of Innovation & Technical

Committee
Rawalpindi medical university has established Innovation & Technical Committee

(ITC). Committee is directed for compliance of fortnightly meetings physical or
online to review the progress of innovation projects.
The members are as follows
1. Prof Dr. Muhammad Umar Vice Chancellor, Rawalpindi

Medical University
2. Dr. Uzma Shaukat Director ORIC
3. Professor Bushra Khaar Professor, Rawalpindi Medical
University
4. Dr. Akram Randhawa Professor of Pharmacology, RMU
5. Dr. Nasir Khan Head of Radiology Department, RMU
6. Mr Adnan Siddique CSO, EZ SHIFA
7. Dr Tahir Sharif Senior Advisor EZ Shifa
8. Dr Asma Khan CTI RMU
9. Dr Huma Shafique Manager R & D
10. Dr Asif Maqsood Butt Coordinator (Commercialization and
Innovation)
2.7 Centre for Clinical Artificial Intelligence (CCAI)
CCAI use of data and technology will enables us to provide the best possible health
care services, and the purpose of the center is to ensure full utilization of artificial
intelligence to benefit patients and staff of the hospital.
Focal Persons of RMU

Ophthalmology: Dr, Saira Bano
Gastroenterology: Dr Tayyab
Saeed Radiology: Dr Maria Khaliq
Pathology: Dr Tayyaba Ali
ORIC: Dr Uzma Shaukat
Focal Person of NCAI-NUST

Prof. Yasar Ayaz
CPD/Chairman at National Center of Artificial Intelligence
(NCAI), Pakistan & Professor of AI & Robotics @ NUST
Patron in Chief;
Vice Chancellor; Prof. Dr. Muhammad Umar
Director CCAI;
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Prof. Dr Fuad Ahmed Khan Niazi
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2.9 Collaborative Projects based on Artificial

Intelligence with National Centre of Artificial
Intelligence NCAI-NUST and Neurocare AI Academy
2.10 Projects Submitted based on Artificial Intelligence
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2.10.1 University Post Graduate Research Lab Complex

(PC-1 is submitted to HEC)
In the Rawalpindi Medical University, while a lot of development work has already
been carried out within just span two years, the RMU is already laying the
foundations for further development to meet the needs of the future, especially in the
fields of research, academics as well as patient care facilities.
The RMU is envisioned to be a research-intensive university providing evidence-
based healthcare services, with the core focus to develop indigenous models of
research and education to inform the development of equitable (accessible, quality,
and cost- effective), comprehensive, integrated, locally responsive, and sustainable
evidence- based services.
In this context, with up-gradation of RMC to RMU, the need for a state-of-the-art
research lab, capable of meeting the needs of all sorts of medical research even at
doctoral level was realized and the planning work was immediately started under the
guidance and with personal efforts of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Muhammad
Umar and his team as one of the very first projects under the flag of the Rawalpindi
Medical University as part of IDP-1of RMU Vision 2033.
The research lab will also be accompanied by an animal house and residential
arrangements for the post-graduate students to facilitate that the research work can be
done round the clock.
The project has been proposed to provide all sorts of state-of-the-art technologies
under one roof enabling the researchers to carry out the research activities without any
hindrance or limitation. The PC-1 of the project has been submitted to the HEC, with
an estimated cost of 1.5 billion rupees.
The project will include well-equipped research laboratories including
o Anatomy & Histology Research Laboratory
o Physiology
o Biochemistry
o Hematology
o Chemical Pathology
o Histopathology
o Microbiology
o Molecular Biology & Immunology
o Pharmacology & Animal House
o Forensic & Toxicology Research Laboratory
o Advanced Skill Lab
o Information Technology Resource Center
o Biomedical Engineering Lab
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Section VI:
Memorandum of Understanding &
Linkages
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6.1MOU signed with International Universities

In the current age of development, an institution needs to develop partnerships and
linkages with global institutions for knowledge sharing and mutual development.
With dedicated efforts, during the last one year, we have extended partnership with
different leading institutions across the globe to work on research, patient care, and
human development.
The prestigious institutions/bodies of the medical community around the world with
whom RMU has established international linkages by signing MOUs include
No. University/institution Avenue of Cooperation
1. University of Liverpool, UK Global Mental Health Program
2. The Hull York Medical School, Medical Education, Population

University of York, UK Health, Research, Health
Sciences, joint academic
programs including MS
Clinical Anatomy, MHPE,
M.Sc. Clinical Research
Methods
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3. Xian Jiaotong University, China Research, chronic disease

prevention and control,
maternal and child health,
health policy
4. National Health Service, Northern Training of Postgraduate

Lincolnshire, and Goole, UK trainees
5. Georgia State University, USA Collaboration and research in

the field of Infectious Diseases
6. Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Research Collaboration

Foundation Trust, UK
7. Digestive Diseases Centre, Beijing Research Collaboration
Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical
University, Beijing
8. Association of Physician of Pakistani Research Collaboration
Descent of North America (APP NA)
9. MASHA University, Malaysia Research Collaboration
(22.3.2019)
10 Department of Microbiology, Dalian Research Collaboration
Medical University, China.
11. John Hopkins School of Public Health, Research Collaboration
America
12. London School of Hygiene and Tropical Research collaboration in order
Medicine (LSHTM) to study and to improve
quality of health among the
population of Pakistan
13. University of York, UK Research Collaboration
14. Rawalpindi Medical College Alumni Collaboration of scientific and

Australia & New Zealand technical collaboration for
theexchange of ideas, skills and
techniques on problems of
mutual interest
6.2 MOU signed with National Universities:
Understanding the need for a relationship with the medical, educational, and
professional communities for further development, cooperation, and knowledge
sharing, the Rawalpindi medical university has signed several memorandums of
understanding (MOUs) with several national universities and institutes. These include
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an agreement between the universities for providing training to the students of

Rawalpindi medical university, where required, providing technical assistance in the
avenues of expertise, and providing a platform for research to each other. Some of the
important MOUs signed included.
University/institution Avenue of cooperation
Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto medical Training of postgraduate residents in

university cardiology and pediatric surgery
Global institute of human development, Professional development courses

Islamabad
Pakistan scientific and technological Joint ventures for research and training
information center (PASTIC)
The Indus hospital Technical support and development of

the pediatric oncology unit at the holy
family hospital
Fatima Jinnah Medical University,

Lahore
Post Graduate Admission 2018 (in
collaboration with the University of
Health Sciences, Lahore)
Nishtar Medical University Multan Research as well as academics
Faisalabad Medical University, Research as well as academics

Faisalabad
Terms of the Partnership between RMU Technical support and Training
& ILE, Islamabad
MOU Signed between RMU and Institute of leadership Excellence December1,

2019.
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6.3 National Collaborations For Student’s Research (Institutional

Research Level)
1. College of Medical Lab Technology, NIH, Islamabad.
2. Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad.
3. Pakistan Medical Research Council, Islamabad.
4. PMRC-CRC-NIH, Islamabad.
5. Institute of Biomedical & Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Islamabad
6. Department of Pharmacy, COMSATS Abbottabad.
7. Department of Pharmaceutics, RIPHAH International University.
8. Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, RIPHAH International University,
Islamabad/Department of Physiotherapy, RIPHAH International
University Islamabad.
9. National Institute of Laser and Optronics, Islamabad.
10. Department of Environmental Sciences, Fatima Jinnah Women University,
Rawalpindi.
11. Department of Biotechnology, Fatima Jinnah Women University,
Rawalpindi.
12. Psychology Department, Foundation University Rawalpindi Campus.
13. Department of Microbiology, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad.
14. Department of Pharmacy, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad.
15. Department of Animal Sciences, Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad.
16. School of Applied Biosciences, NUST Islamabad.
17. Department of Industrial Biotechnology, National University of Science
and Technology Islamabad.
18. Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rehman School of
Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology,
Islamabad.
19. ISRA Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, ISRA University Islamabad
Campus.
20. Human Development Research Foundation, Islamabad.
21. Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University.
22. Department of Pathology, Al-Nafees Medical College, and Hospital
Islamabad.
23. Department of Medical Education, Islamic International Medical College,
RIPHAH International University Rawalpindi.
24. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shifa College of Medicine,
Islamabad.
25. Azmat Rashid Hospital, Rawalpindi.
26. PHRC Research Centre, NIH Islamabad.
27. Department of Management, Swinburne University Melbourne Australia.
28. Department of Biochemistry, Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi.
29. BHU, Sodi Gujjar, Pind Dadan KHAN.
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30. Department of Community Medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia.

31. Department of BS Vision Sciences, Isra University Islamabad.
32. Department of Computer Science, Bahria University Islamabad.
33. Health Services Academy, Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad.
34. Department of Radiological Sciences, University of Lahore.
35. Shifa College of Medicine, Islamabad.
36. Sight Savers Pakistan, Royal Common Wealth Society for the blinds
(Sight Savers) Pakistan.
37. Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health Research Network Islamabad.
38. Department of Masters of Public Health, Health Services Academy,
Islamabad.
39. Department of Electrical Engineering, National University of Computer
and Emerging Sciences, Islamabad.
40. Center for Global Public Health Pakistan.
41. Higher Education Commission. Islamabad.
42. PASTIC, Islamabad.
43. Khyber Medical University, Peshawar.
44. National Centre of Artficial Intelligence/ NCAI-NUST.
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FUNDING AGENCIES
5.1 List of Funding Agencies
o Higher Education Commission www.hec.gov.pk

o Pakistan Science Foundation www.psf.gov.pk
o National ICT R&D Fund www.ictrdf.org.pk
o Pak-US Joint Academic & Research Program www.publisher.hec.gov.pk
o TWAS-COMSTECH Joint Research Grants www.twas.ictp.it/prog/grants/
o Human Frontier Science Program www.hfsp.org
o International Foundation for Science www.ifs.se
o Research & Advocacy Fund www.rafpakistan.org
o Talented Researcher Exchange Program
(TRXP) www.britishcouncil.org/inspire
o Academy of Finland www.aka.fi/en-gb/A/
o Alexander von Humboldt Foundation www.avh.de/en/index.htm
o Australian Agency for International Development
(AusAID) www.ausaid.gov.au
o East WEST center
o European Research Council (ERC) www.erc.europa.eu
o EU Funding and Grants www.ec.europa.eu/index_en.htm
o International Development Research Center www.idrc.ca
o Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) www.jica.go.jp
o Sigma Xi – The Scientific Research Society www.sigmaxi.org
o The Asia Foundation: www.asiafoundation.org
o UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific www.unescap.org
o The Islamic Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization (ISESCO –
Scientific Research Grant) www.icpsr.org.ma
o Pakistan US Science and Technology Cooperation Program
o DAAD Research Grants for young Faculty of Pakistani Universities(Ph.D.
students and Post Doc)
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Section VII:
RESEARCH PROJECTS
International Linkages and MOUs
National Linkages and MOUs
Completed Projects
Approved Projects
Submitted Projects
Patent Projects
Miscellaneous Projects
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5.2 International Linkages and MOUs

S.No University/institution Avenue of Cooperation
1 University of Liverpool, UK Global Mental Health Program
2 The Hull York Medical School, University Medical Education, Population

of York, UK Health, Research, Health
Sciences, joint academic
programs including MS Clinical
Anatomy, MHPE, M.Sc.
Clinical Research Methods
3 Xian Jiaotong University, China Research, chronic disease
prevention and control, maternal
and child health, health policy
4 National Health Service, Northern Lincolnshire, Training of Postgraduate trainees
and Goole, UK
5 Georgia State University, USA Collaboration and research in the
field of Infectious Diseases
6 London School of Hygiene and Improve quality of health among
Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) the population of Pakistan
7 Rawalpindi Medical College Alumni Australia & scientific and technical
New Zealand collaboration for the exchange of
ideas, skills and techniques on
problems of mutual interest
8 Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Research Collaboration
Foundation Trust, UK
9 Digestive Diseases Centre, Beijing Friendship Research Collaboration
Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing
10 Digestive Diseases Centre, Beijing Friendship Research Collaboration
Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing
11 MASHA University, Malaysia (22.3.2019) Research Collaboration
12 Department of Microbiology, Dalian Research Collaboration

Medical University, China.
13 John Hopkins School of Public Health, America Research Collaboration
14 University of York, UK Research Collaboration
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5.3 National Linkages and MOUs
S. University/institution Avenue of Cooperation

No
1 Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Training of postgraduate residents

Medical University , in cardiology and pediatric
Islamabad surgery
2 Global Institute of Human Development, Professional development courses
Islamabad
3 Pakistan Scientific and Technological Joint ventures for research and training
Information Center (PASTIC),
Islamabad
4 The Indus Hospital, Karachi Technical support and development of the
pediatric oncology unit at the Holy Family
Hospital
5 Nishtar Medical University, Multan Research and academics
6 Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad Research and academics
7 Institute of Leadership Excellence, Technical support and Training

RIPAH University, Islamabad
8 Peoples University, Nawabshah, Sindh University Residency Programs and
Research Collaboration
9 Qamand Enterprises-RMU Vetted and signed
10 National Center Of Artificial Vetted and signed

Intelligence NCAI-NUST-
RMU
11 Chughtahi Labs-RMU Vetted and signed
12 COMSATS-RMU Vetted and signed
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5.4 Completed Projects
ORIC Project Titles Principal Investigator Starting Status

Reg.
No
1 (SMI Study) Dr Asad Tamizzudin Jul-19 Published

2 BEACON Dr Asad Tamizzudin Jan-19 Published
3 S4 Study Dr. Asad Tamizzudin Jan-19 Published
4 Diagnostic accuracy of Prof. Rai Asghar 2020 Published

stool expert MTB/RIF for
pulmonary TB in children
5 Happy Mother Healthy Dr. Atif Rehman, Aug-2019 Published
Baby
Dr. Abid Malik
th
10 PROTECT TRIAL Prof. Muhammad 6 April Published
Umar 2020
11 Experimental use of Dr Tahir Shamsi, 2020 Published

COVID-19 convalescent Dr Lubna
plasma for the purpose of Meeraj
passive immunization, in
current covid-19 pandemic
in Pakistan in 2020
12 An enabled preliminary DR. Umair Sajjid June-2020 Published

diagnosis for covid-19 Hashmi
from cough samples via A
mobile application
13 Computational modelling Prof. Dr. Aamer Ikram Apr-2020 Published
for COVID-19 epidemic
in Pakistan
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14 COVID-19 Detection Dr. Hana Mahmood Sep-2020 Published

from chest X-rays
using deep learning
15 Effects of COVID-19 on Dr. Hana Mahmood Aug-2020 Published
pregnant women, and
their new borns, a
prospective cohort
study
Dr. Ambreen Gul 2020 Published
17 Evaluation of risk of
infectivity of SARS-
COV2 virus via tears
and conjuctival secretion
of COVID-19 patients
19 Investigating th
Prof. Dr. HABIB 20 Published
immunological markers
BOKHARI/Dr Aftab August till
of covid-19 patients in th
association with co 28
morbidities February
2021
20 Treatment regimens used
Dr. Hashaam Akhtar June 2020 Published
for management covid- st
19 and their effectiveness till 1
September
2021
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5.5 Approved Projects
ORIC Ongoing projects titles Principal Starting Status

Reg. Investigator
No
00 Rehabilitation tools for flood affected Dr Uzma 2022 Approved by

patients Shaukat HEC
00 Risk factors associated with placental Aug-2022
abruption: a cross-sectional study.
00 Health and Need Assessment Survey Dr Uzma 2023 Approved by
for Individuals in Flood Affected Shaukat HEC (Rs 0.5
Areas of Pakistan million)
00 Genetic predisposition to dementia Dr Uzma 2023 Funded by

for early diagnosis, treatment and risk Shaukat HEC (Rs 5.0
prediction in Pakistani population. million)
00 Genetic linkage association studies Dr Uzma 2023 Funded by

for breast cancer susceptibility in Shaukat PSF (Rs
Pakistani population for early 2394500)
detection and prognosis
00 Health Survey For Individuals In Dr Uzma 2023 Funded by
Flood Affected Areas Of Pakistan For Shaukat PSF (Rs 0.5
Envisioning Health Emergency million)
Model
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S# Project Titles PI and University/instit Funding Propose Start

Co-PI ution and Agency d Date
Collaboration Budget
1. Clinical utility of PIVKA II Dr Sadia RMU and HEC Rs. 0.4 2023
in the diagnosis of Ahmed Chughtahi Labs Million
Hepatocellular
Carcinoma alone or in
combination of alpha-
fetoprotein (AFP) in
Pakistani population
2. Development of laser Dr National Institute HEC Rs. 5 2023
devices at 405 & Muham of laser and Million
1064nm along with mad optronics, Nilore,
optical fiber based light Saleem Islamabad and
delivery probes for the and Dr Centre for liver
diagnosis and treatment Tayyab and digestive
of gastrointestinal, Saeed diseases, Holy
rectal, and diabetic Akhter Family Hospital
disease disorders
3. Establishment of breath Dr Faisal PINSTECH and PINSTEC Rs. 2023
testing facility by Rasheed RMU and Allied H 48,98,8
patients diagnostic lab, Hospitals 56
PINSTECH at Rawalpindi
Medical University and
Allied Hospitals
4. Behavioral cost effective Dr RMU and Allied WHO 2023
interventions to Muham Hospitals and
improve outpatient mad WHO
antibiotic prescribing for Salman
acute respiratory
infections in Pakistan
5. Estimation of economic Dr RMU and Allied Health 2023
burden of Antimicrobial Muham Hospitals and Services
Resistance on Patients mad WHO Researc
Salman h
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S Project Titles PI and Co- University/instit Funding Proposed Start

# PI ution and Agency Budget Date
Collaboration
1. Development of laser Dr National Pakistan Rs. 2023

systems and light Muhamma Institute of laser Science 14231250
delivery probes for d Saleem and optronics, Foundatio
treating oncological and Nilore, n (PSF)
non- oncological disease Islamabad and
conditions through Centre for liver
photodynamic therapy and digestive
and photo diseases, Holy
biomodulation therapy Family Hospital
2. Local Hepatitis Dr Nida Ali
Elimination Prevention
(LHEAP)
3. Pancreatic Cancer Prof Yasir RMU and NCAI- HEC Rs. 2023
Detection using Deep Ayaz and NUST Shortlisted 13,549,80
Learning for ROSE during Dr Umer 4
EUS guided FNAC Asghar
Dr
Tayya
ba Ali
4. Combo Diet Plate . Auto Dr Asif RMU & NUST In Progress 2023
regulatory device for Maqsood
routine screening, early Butt
diagnosis, prompt T.P.E Dr Omaima
with Voice control Asif &
Communication to improve Humna Asif
Quality Adjusted Life Years
in Pakistan
5. HEALTH PIVOT : Your one Khadijah RMU & RCAP HEC HEC SAEED 2023
stop health assistant Sahi, GRANT
Ahmad Aziz
Dr Asif
Maqsood
Butt
6. Innovative imaging Prof Nasir RMU and Neurocare Rs. 1.1 2023
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Khan and Institute of AI Million
based diagnostic tools for Dr Ume Health Academy
detection of stroke Kalsoom Innovation and
paradigm with clinical Education,
validation on local Neurocare AI
datasets Academy
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5.6 Submitted Projects
S# Project Titles PI and Co-PI University/institu Proposed Start

tion and Budget Date
Collaboration
1. Medical Aid Dr Asif Maqsood RMU & EZ SHIFA + 6.0 Million 2023
Teaching Rescue Butt IST
emergency support Dr Omaima Asif
system
2. Pre, Post and Dr Asif Maqsood RMU & EZSHIFA + 3.5 Million 2023
Epidemic Butt IST
Communication, Dr Omaima Asif &
Strategies to Humna Asif, Prof
Improve Patient’s Muhammad Umar
Health Care, Prof Muhammad
Surveillance and Iftikhar
Tracking System in Adnan Siddique
Pakistan: An
Integrated Model
3. SDGS 2030 Health Dr Asif Maqsood RMU & EZSHIFA + 3.5 Million 2023
Care Delivery Model Butt IST
Dr Omaima Asif &
Humna Asif, Prof
Muhammad Umar
Prof Muhammad
Iftikhar
Adnan Siddique
3 2
4. E MC Dr Asif Maqsood RMU & NUST In progress 2023
Management of Butt
climate, Dr Omaima , Prof
environment, Muhammad Umar ,
energy & economy Dr Huma Shafique,
waste auto Dr Omaima Asif ,
treatment machine Humna Asif
supported by
combined source of
energy
5. THIRD GENDER Minahil Hassan RMU % RCAP HEC SAEED 2023
HEALTHCARE Dr Asif Maqsood GRANT
INITIATIVE ’’ Butt
6. Decentralized AI Prof Yasir Ayaz RMU and NCAI- Rs. 2023
Video Surveillance NUST 14971756
System
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5.7 Patent Projects
S# Project Titles PI and Co- University/institution Proposed Start

PI and Collaboration Budget Date
1. Anterior Cervical
Discectomy and
Fusion (ACDF)
2. Cervical disc and

dynamic cervical
disc
3. Expandable cage
for cervical
corpectomy
Research and Dr RMU and Qamand Enterprises Rs 1.2 2023

Prototype Tayya Qamand Million
Development of b Ali Enterprises
Biliary/Pancreatic
Stents
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5.8 Miscellaneous Projects
ORIC Projects titles Principal Start Date Status

Reg. Investigator
No
1 Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices Dr. Hashaam Aug-2022 In Progress
followed by healthcare professionals in handling Akhtar
biomedical waste during the covid-19 pandemic
in pakistan and way forward for improvement
and better compliance with current legislation
2 Treatment Regimens used for Management of Dr, Hashaam In Progress
COVID-19 & their effectiveness Akhtar
3 Impact of high-resolution manometry on Sameen Abbas Aug-2022 In Progress
achalasia diagnosis,
classification and treatment
4 Evaluation of maternal “near miss” events in Feb, 2022 In Progress
tertiary care hospitals of Rawalpindi.
5 Assessment of knowledge/awareness about Feb, 2022 In Progress
radiation risk among healthcare workers.
6 Bedside blood transfusion knowledge: “what Feb, 2022 In Progress
health care workers know and perform? A cross
sectional study from a tertiary level hospital,
Rawalpindi.
7 Association of CAMK4 Gene polymorphism Rs Feb, 2022 In Progress
2300782 in diabetic retinopathy in Pakistani
population.
8 Genblip: genetics of bipolar in Pakistan Feb, 2022 In Progress
9 Importance of the helmet use in motorbike Feb, 2022 In Progress
riders in road traffic accidents (RTA) a mixed
methodology research study at allied hospitals
of Rawalpindi medical university (RMU)
Rawalpindi
10 Retention and clinical application of basic Mar, 2022 In Progress
science by students during clinical clerkship
11 To assess prevalence of unplanned pregnancy Mar, 2022 In Progress
and associated factors in pregnant women
attending antenatal clinics in holy family
hospital
Rawalpindi Pakistan
12 To determine the genetic risk factors for stroke Jun, 2022 In Progress
and database establishment for personalized
medicine in Pakistan
13 Association of family satisfaction level with care Jun, 2022 In Progress
and participation in decision-making at adult
intensive care units of public sector hospitals
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5.9 Project 1
Title: Mathematical modeling to study Transmission Dynamics of Infectious

Diseases in Pakistan:
Collaboration: Rawalpindi Medical University, Pakistan and Georgia State

University, USA
Principal investigator: Dr. Shireen Rafiq Department of Pathology, RMU
Co-Investigator: Dr. Naeem Akhtar, Prof. of Pathology & Dean Basic Sciences,
RMU Dr. Muhammad Umar, Vice-Chancellor, Rawalpindi Medical University,
Rawalpindi Dr. Gerardo Chowell, Prof. School of Public Health, Georgia State
University
Dr. Amna Tariq (Ph. D Scholar) Infectious diseases, Georgia State University
Approved by: The Institutional Research Forum of GSU, USA, and RMU, Pakistan
(27th Oct 2018)
MOU: Signed between the two universities (3rd May 2019)
Name of the Funding agency: Nill
Total Funds Allocated: Non -Funded Technical Assistance.
5.9.1 Summary
Infectious diseases are causing the deaths of millions of people in Pakistan. This study
will help to intervene and strategize policies and response measures in the required
time frame to be able to control the epidemics. Mathematical and phenomenological
modeling of infectious diseases in spatiotemporal (time and space) dimensions will
allow us to model, forecast, predict, and map disease and disease clusters. It will
provide tools and skills for a timely response to disease outbreaks
This project will benefit us in understanding the dynamics of infectious diseases in
our area. We will better understand the variables involved in the disease transmission,
which if controlled can lead to a mitigation of these diseases. It will identify and help
prevent future outbreaks in Pakistan
It will help in research development, validation, and translation of infectious disease
modeling in the spatiotemporal dimensions for infectious diseases. To make
recommendations to the health care professionals in Pakistan for the implementation
of population-level interventions to mitigate the future epidemics of these diseases. To
predict the upcoming epidemics of diseases in Pakistan
5.10 Project 2
Title: IMPACT smoking cessation support for people with severe mental illness
in South Asia (IMPACT 4S): a protocol for a randomized controlled pilot and
feasibility trial for a combined behavioral and pharmacological support
intervention.
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Short title: IMPACT 4S pilot and feasibility trial

Collaboration: the University of York and all other collaborating institutions and
organizations of India, Pakistan, and the UK
Principal Investigators
1. Prof Asad Tamizuddin Nizami, Chairperson, Institute of Psychiatry, WHO
Collaborating Centre for Mental Health and Research. Rawalpindi Medical
University, Rawalpindi Pakistan
2. Dr. Noreen Mdege. Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, University
of York, UK
3. Professor Simon Gilbody. Department of Health Sciences, University of York, UK
4. Prof Pratima Murthy. Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental
Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), India
Co-investigators from Pakistan: Dr. Faiza Aslam (country lead), Ms. Maryam Noor.
International Co-investigators:
University of York, UK: Dr. Gerardo Zavala, Prof. Kamran Siddiqi, Dr. Najma
Siddiqi, and Prof.Catherine Hewitt
National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore,
India: Dr. Krishna Prasad, Prof. Santosh Kumar Chaturvedi, Dr. Arun Kandasamy
University of Leeds, UK: Dr. Ian Kellar, Dr.Tolib Mirzoev
Valid Research UK: Dr. Cath Jackson
London School of Economics, UK: Assoc. Prof. David McDaid
Approved by: Ref #: R-48/RMU, dated 24th August 2019
MOU:
The Contract of IMPACT program had been signed between IOP RMU and the
University of York and all other collaborating institutions and organizations of India,
Pakistan, and the UK in October 2019 that encompasses all the activities of IMPACT
and no individual MOU’S for the studies is available.
Total Funds: 5521175 PKR
5.10.1 Summary
To adapt evidence-based, combined behavioral and pharmacological support
intervention for smoking cessation among people with severe mental illness; and test
the feasibility of delivering and evaluating it in India and Pakistan. Primary outcomes
(feasibility and acceptability)Recruitment rates: Quantitative assessment of the
acceptability of the research will be assessed by numbers screened, number eligible,
and those agreeing to participate.For Reasons for ineligibility/non-participation/non-
consent of participants, the length of time required to achieve the required sample
size. Retention in the study will be assessed as a proportion of those enrolled in the
study who are successfully followed-up at six months. Retention in treatment will be
evaluated by several study intervention sessions attended as one measure of the
feasibility and acceptability of the trial interventions to participants. Intervention
fidelity during the delivery of the behavioral support within the IMPACT 4S
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intervention, as well as for brief advice (BA) will be assessed as one measure of
feasibility of intervention delivery.
Smoking cessation pharmacotherapy adherence: For those in the IMPACT 4S arm,
adherence to smoking cessation pharmacotherapy will be assessed as one measure of
the feasibility and acceptability of the smoking cessation pharmacotherapies to
participants. Data will be checked for completeness as another measure of
acceptability and feasibility of data collection methods, and to identify problem areas
and solutions. For secondary outcomes, Self-reported or family/career reported
continuous smoking abstinence for at least six months (only five instances of smoking
allowed during the total six months) which is biochemically verified by CO
concentration (CO concentration <7ppm) at six months follow-up. Point abstinence,
defined as a self- report or family/career report of not smoking in the previous 7 days,
assessed at one, three, and six months follow-up. Cost of delivering the IMPACT 4S
and the BA interventions. Number of participants will be included 172 in total (86 in
India; 86 in Pakistan)
5.11 Project 3
Title: Progress of Impact SMI Survey Under Top
Investigating Mental And Physical Comorbidity: A Survey In People With
Severe Mental Illness In South Asia (Impact Smi Survey)
Principal Investigator
Prof. Asad Tamizuddin Nizami, Chairperson, Institute of Psychiatry, WHO
Collaborating Centre for Mental Health and Research. Rawalpindi Medical
University, Rawalpindi Pakistan
Co-Investigators: Dr. Kamran Siddique and Gerardo Zavala Gomez, Department of
Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of York, UK.
Dr. Krishna. Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro
Sciences (NIMHANS), India Deepa Barua and Asiful Haider ARK Foundation,
Dhaka, Bangladesh Ms. Sonia Mansoor (country lead), Dr. Faiza Aslam IOP,
BBH, RMU, Pakistan Siham Sikandar Public Health, Health Services Academy,
Islamabad, Pakistan Other members of IMPACT team at IOP: Nida Afsheen, Rubab
Ayesha, Zaheen Amin, Aneeqa Maryam, Najma Hayat
Approved by: RMU and University of York
MOU: has been signed between RMU and University of York, the UK in October 2018
Total Cost: 2799577PKR
5.11.1 Summary
This cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence and determinants of
physical disorders in people with SMI attending specialist mental health facilities in
South Asia.
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It is a multi-country survey, 1500 Patients with SMI attending IOP will be recruited
throughout one year however total sample is n=4,500 from all three countries
Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan). The diagnosis of SMI will be confirmed using the
MINI V-6.0. We will collect information about: physical health and related health-risk
behaviors (WHO STEPs); severity of common mental disorders (PHQ-9 and GAD-7);
and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L). We will measure blood pressure,
height, weight, and waist circumference according to WHO guidelines. We will also
measure glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, thyroid function, liver function,
creatinine, and hemoglobin. Prevalence rates of physical health conditions and health-
risk behaviors will be presented and compared with the WHO STEPs survey findings
in the general population. Regression analyses will explore the association between
health- risk behaviors, mental and physical health conditions.
5.12 Project 4
Title: Behavioral activation for depression in people with the non-communicable

disease in low- and middle-income countries in South Asia: Protocol for
intervention design and randomized controlled feasibility trial
Short title: Behavioral Activation for Comorbid Depression in Non-
communicable Disease (BEACON) study
Principal Investigator: Prof. Asad Nizami, IOP, RMU
Co-investigators: Prof. Jerome, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science,
University of York, UK
2. Dr. Najma Siddiqi, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of
Science, University of York, UK.
3. Dr. Siham Sikandar, Health Services Academy, Pakistan
Co-investigators from Pakistan: Ms. Rusham Rana (country lead), Dr. Faiza Aslam,
IOP, Pakistan.
Funding source: 2992000 PKR
Approved by: IRF
MOU: A contract was signed between IOP RMU and all collaborators in Oct 2018,
5.12.1 Summary
We aim to adapt and test the feasibility of brief psychological therapy, behavioral
activation, delivered by non-specialist health workers for people with depression in
non-communicable diseases in LMIC in South Asia.
Projects of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department
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Projects of Collaboration of Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU) and London

School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
Pakistan National Coordinating Centre (PNCC)
In 2014, an Academic Research Collaboration was established between Rawalpindi
Medical University and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (RMU-
LSHTM Research Collaboration). PNCC is established as a result of a Memorandum
of understanding signed between these two prestigious universities.
The sole purpose of this collaboration is to bring quality academic trials to the country
and hence promote the research culture. Under the Umbrella of this collaboration we
have ventured into following four research Projects:
5.13 Project 5
WOMAN Trial:
Effect of early tranexamic acid administration on mortality, hysterectomy, and
other morbidities in women with post-partum hemorrhage (WOMAN): an
international, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Lead Investigators: Prof. Ian Roberts, Prof of Epidemiology, London School of

Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London
Co-Investigator: Prof. Haleema Shakur, Prof of Epidemiology, London School of
National Coordinator: Prof. Rizwana Chaudhri, Dean and Head of Department,
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rawalpindi Medical University.
Co-Investigator: Dr. Aasia Kayani, Research Coordinator RMU – LSHTM
Collaboration.
Dr. Kiran Javaid, Assistant Research Coordinator RMU – LSHTM Collaboration.
Approvals Obtained:
DRAP: Ref # F.No.3-5/2010-ADC (CT)
National Bioethics: Ref # No.4-87/14/NBC-64/RDC/818
Funds Allocated: There was no fund allocated to the trial. The establishment of the
Pakistan National Coordinating Centre was funded by Crash3 Trial. The Research
Coordinator employed for Crash 3 Trial also coordinated Woman Trial.
5.13.1 Summary
In this randomized trial women aged 16 years and older were recruited with a clinical
diagnosis of postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal birth or cesarean section. The total
sample size was set at 20,000 participants. Pakistan was the second-highest recruiter
in the trial with 5282 of 20,060 patients enrolled in the trial. A total of fifty two
hospitals across the country participated in the Woman Trial. All these hospitals were
managed and coordinated by the coordinating team of PNCC. PNCC team was
involved in the initial training of each participating hospital team along with day to
day coordination of trial-related activities. These activities encompass the
provision of trail drugs,
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uploading trial-related data, verification of data provided by trial sites from the source
documents, monitoring visits to the site, and ensuring all the trial-related activities to
be conducted in line with trial protocols.
Woman Trial successfully concluded in March 2016. Woman Trial results were very
promising and showed a significant reduction in death due to bleeding in Tranexamic
Acid arm as compared to placebo. The result of this trial was published in April 2017,
in The Lancet, which is among the world's oldest, most prestigious and peer-
reviewed, indexed medical journal. As a result of Woman Trial, TXA is included
among the essential drugs of WHO, for the treatment of obstetrical hemorrhage.
5.14 Project 6
CRASH 3 Trial:
Tranexamic Acid for the Treatment of Significant traumatic brain injury: An
International Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled trial
Lead Investigators: Prof Ian Roberts, Prof of Epidemiology, London School of

Prof Haleema Shakur, Prof of Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and
Tropical Medicine, University of London
National Coordinator: Prof Rashid Jooma, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Aga Khan
University Hospital, Pakistan.
Director PNCC: Prof Rizwana Chaudhri, Dean and Head of Department, Obstetrics
and Gynaecology, Rawalpindi Medical University.
Co-Investigator: Dr. Aasia Kayani, Research Coordinator RMU – LSHTM
Collaboration.
Dr. Kiran Javaid, Assistant Research Coordinator RMU – LSHTM Collaboration
MOU signed on 20-04-15
Approvals Obtained:
DRAP: Ref # F.No.2-11/2014-ADC (CT)
Local ethical Approval: RMU Ref # R-21/RMU
Total Allocated Budget as per MOU=£384780
Funding Agencies=UK Medical Research Council
Status: Completed, Published in the Lancet Oct 2019
5.14.1 Summary
This is the largest trial of traumatic brain injury (TBI) ever conducted in history with a
sample size of 13000 patients. Crash three was conducted to provide reliable evidence
about the effect of tranexamic acid on mortality and disability in patients with
traumatic brain injury. Adults with TBI who were within 3 h of injury, had a Glasgow
Coma Scale
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(GCS) score of 12 or lower or any intracranial bleeding on CT scan, and no major

extracranial bleeding was eligible.
Crash Three started recruitment in July 2012, and it was conducted in 175 hospitals
across 29 countries.
Pakistan joined the Crash three late due to issues faced at the local level, in obtaining
approval from Drug Regulatory Authority (DRAP), which was itself in the process of
establishment. PNCC played a pivotal role in obtaining DRAP approval. The trial
started in Pakistan in February 2015 and has concluded on 31st January 2019.
Fourteen hospitals, which include all major neurosurgical departments of the country,
participate in the trial. Out of a total of 12,737 patients enrolled worldwide, 4567
patients were from Pakistan, making Pakistan the top recruiter of Crash Three.
The results of Crash three were published in The Lancet, in October 2019. The
PNCC team has the honor of being part of the writing committee of Crash Three.
5.15 Project 7
HALT AT TRIAL:
Tranexamic Acid for the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Bleeding: An
International Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Lead Investigators: Prof. Ian Roberts, Prof of Epidemiology, London School of
Prof. Haleema Shakur, Prof of Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and
National Coordinator: Prof Matiullah Khan, Prof Of Medicine, Holy Family
Hospital Unit 2, Rawalpindi, Medical University.
Director PNCC: Prof Rizwana Chaudhri, Dean and Head of Department, Obstetrics
Dr. Aasia Kayani, Research Coordinator RMU – LSHTM Collaboration.
MOU signed on 14.12.2018
Approvals Obtained:
DRAP: Ref # F.No.3-4/2015-DDC (PS)
Local ethical Approval: RMU Approval taken on 09.06.2015
Total Allocated Budget as per MOU = £87500
Funding Agencies= National Institute of Health Research UK
Status: Completed (Analysis in Progress)
5.15.1 Summary
This trial was conducted to determine the effect of early administration of tranexamic
acid on mortality and morbidity in patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding. This
trial was conducted in 81 hospitals from 15 countries, of which 30 hospitals were
from Pakistan, with a target sample size of 12000 patients. The trial was started in
Pakistan
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in March 2016 and has concluded in June 2019, with Pakistan as the second-highest
recruiter in this trial.
5.16 Project 8
Woman 2 Trial
Tranexamic Acid for the Prevention of Postpartum Bleeding in Women with
Anemia: An International Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled trial
Lead Investigators: Prof Ian Roberts, Prof of Epidemiology, London School of

Prof. Haleema Shakur, Prof of Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and
National Coordinator: Prof Rizwana Chaudhri, Dean and Head of Department,
Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rawalpindi Medical University.
Dr. Aasia Kayani, Research Coordinator RMU – LSHTM Collaboration.
Approvals Obtained:
DRAP: Ref # F.No.03-03/2019-DD (PS)
National Bioethics: Ref # No.4-87/NBC-340/18/204
Local ethical Approval: RMU ref # R-38/RMU
Total Allocated Budget as per MOU = £99848
Funding Agencies: Welcome Trust Limited and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Duration: 2019-2022
Status: Ongoing
5.16.1 Summary
This is a new research project of collaboration with a sample size of 10000 Women.
About 50 hospitals across the country have expressed their interest to participate in
the trial. We have already received the National Bioethics and Drug Regulatory
Authority of Pakistan Approval to start the trial in Pakistan. The trial has started in
August 2019 and has currently recruited more than 1000 patients across 18 hospitals
in Pakistan.
5.17 Project 9
Title: Factors behind the growing rate of unnecessary caesarian sections in three
tertiary care hospitals of Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Principal Investigator: Prof Rizwana Chaudhri, Dean and Head of Department,

MOU signed on 2018
Approval Obtained:
Local ethical Approval: RMU ref # R-01/RMU/19
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Total Allocated Budget as per MOU = 8000USD

Funding Agencies: WHO
Status: Completed (Analysis in Progress)
5.17.1 Summary
This research project was started in collaboration with Centre for Global Public
Health Pakistan (CGPH-Pakistan), which is the local arm of the Centre for Global
Public Health (CGPH), University of Manitoba, Canada and World Health
Organization (WHO). The purpose of the trial was to increase knowledge about
associated factors leading to the un-necessary cesarean sections and provide
recommendations to avoid them. The trial was started in the Obstetrics and
Gynecology departments of all three teaching hospitals of RMU on 13 June 2019. A
total of 1800 patients were recruited and the trial concluded on 31st July 2019.
Determining the risk factors and proportion of cesarean section using Robson
classification to reduce the cesarean rate in the public hospital of RWP.
5.18 Project 10
Sti Transmission In Antenatal Patients
Title: Determination of the acceptability and feasibility of genital Chlamydia
trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis screening in
routine antenatal care in Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Collaboration: This project started at the end of August 2019 in collaboration with
Cepheid and UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and Fielding School of Public
Health, California.
Approval Obtained:
Local ethical Approval: RMU Ref # R-69/RMU
Total Allocated Budget as per MOU = 43037 USD
Funding Agencies = Cepheid and UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and
Fielding School of Public Health, California.
Status: Ongoing
5.18.1 Summary
This is a cross-sectional study of 1000 pregnant women to determine the uptake and
prevalence outcomes for Chlamydiatrachomatis, Neisseriagonorrhoeae, and
Trichomonasvaginalis screening among pregnant women receiving care at Holy
Family Hospital, Rawalpindi. This project started at the end of August 2019 in
collaboration with Cepheid and UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and
Fielding School of Public Health, California.
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5.19 Project 11
Title: Gloss, The Global Maternal Sepsis Study
Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rawalpindi Medical University.
Approved by IRF
MOU signed between the two universities
Name of funding Agency: WHO
Total Funds Allocated: Nil
Status: Completed and Submitted in Lancet (under review)
5.19.1 Summary
This study is part of the “Global Maternal and Neonatal Sepsis Initiative” which has
the overall goal of accelerating the reduction of preventable maternal and newborn
deaths related to sepsis. The latest estimates suggest that infections are the underlying
cause of 11% of maternal direct deaths, but the true burden of maternal infection and
its complications is not well known. The Global Maternal Sepsis Study (GLOSS) and
awareness campaign were implemented in 53 countries
The primary objectives of the Global Maternal Sepsis Study (GLOSS) are:
1) To develop and validate a set of criteria for identification of possible severe
maternal infection (presumed maternal sepsis) and maternal sepsis (confirmed sepsis);
2) To assess the frequency and the outcomes of maternal sepsis in LMIC and HIC
countries;
3) To assess the frequency of use of a core set of practices recommended for
prevention, early identification, and management of maternal sepsis. Through
evaluation of the campaign, we aim 4) To explore the level of awareness about
maternal and neonatal sepsis among health care providers, policymakers, and the
general public, including pregnant women, mothers, and their families.
As a part of the Gloss initiative, research was conducted at the Department of

Obstetrics of RMU and Allied hospitals to assess the true burden and the current
management of maternal and neonatal sepsis. The Study has determined at how
women with infection during pregnancy, childbirth or postpartum, or post-abortion
are identified and treated in participating hospitals. The duration of the research was
from September 2017 to May 2018. The research was submitted for publication in the
Lance and is under review.
5.20 Project 12
Title: Feeding Practice and Gut Comfort in Healthy Full-term Infants: a Multi-
country, Cross-sectional Observational Study
Sponsor of the Study: Nestec Ltd Switzerland, Study Management by International

Contract Research Organization Covance, USA and Local representative Dimension
Research, Pakistan
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Principal Investigator: Prof Rai Asghar

Co-Investigator: Dr. Muhammad Hussain
Approved by: The Institutional Research Forum of Pakistan
MOU: Signed between the
Name of the Funding agency: Nill
Total Funds Allocated: Nill
5.20.1 Summary
As a means of addressing the issues of GI tolerance in formula-fed infants, alterations

to both formula fat blends and carbohydrate composition have been useful. Although
efficacies of such modifications have been demonstrated in clinical study settings,
large-scale real-world effectiveness evidence (i.e., suitability, acceptability, and
tolerability) of these formulas compared to breastfeeding is scarce. Additionally,
large- scale effectiveness studies in diverse populations comparing formulas with
different compositions are needed to help identify improved formula characteristics
associated with desirable GI outcomes
Primary Objective
• An index score of overall GI symptom burden measured by a validated,
standardized Infant Gastrointestinal Symptom Questionnaire (IGSQ-13)
Secondary Objectives
• GI tolerance indicators including GI symptoms and related behaviors
• Stool characteristics
• Prevalence of colic
• GI symptoms as well as GI-related behaviors collected by the IGSQ-13
• Stool characteristics collected via a one-day recall in the Feeding Practice and
Gut Comfort Questionnaire
• Physician-reported and parent-reported colic collected in the Feeding Practice
and Gut Comfort Questionnaire
• Multi-country, cross-sectional, observational study in diverse geographic
locations all over the world
5.21 Project 13
Title: Safe Childbirth Check List
Collaboration: Rawalpindi Medical University, Fatima Jinnah Medical University,

Rawalpindi and Health Services Academy, Islamabad
Principal investigator: Professor Saima Ameen
Co-investigator: Prof. Rizwana Chaudhry, Dean, and Head of Department, Obstetrics
Name of funding Agency: Nill
Total Funds Allocated: Nil
Status: Suspended due to change of Head of Department
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5.21.1Summary
The research is purely academic. Safe Childbirth Checklist is a set of proven

interventions designed to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes at birth. However,
although time tested the provider resistance to practice them was identified as main
hurdles in their implementation
This project is carried in collaboration with Health Services Academy to practice the
various modalities of Implementation Science to improve the uptake of the checklist
by Provider. The research was carried out between March 2019 to October 2019.
5.22 Project 14
Title: Classification of Liver Diseases using Neural Network
Principal Investigator: Syed Moiz Hussain, Rabia Samad Afridi, Hadia Rahna
Co-Investigator: Dr. Shahzad Saleem
Department of Electrical Engineering, National University of Computer and Emerging
Sciences, Islamabad
Approved by FAST and IRF-RMU
MOU signed between the two universities in August 2019
Total Funds: Nill
5.22.1 Summary
The liver is the most vital organ of the human body. Liver diseases are detected with
the aid of clinical information, including blood tests, imaging techniques such as
magnetic resonance image (MRI), and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE).
However, such methods have limitations, and a liver biopsy is usually required to
diagnose liver diseases like cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and hepatitis. The
MRI and MRE technique is the earliest non-invasive techniques. The related
procedures are time-consuming and expensive. However, these techniques usually do
not detect disease at its early stages. To address these issues, we propose a solution in
the form of a device that detects liver stiffness and scarring using ultrasonic sensors.
This can help to detect diseases such as fibrosis, cirrhosis, etc. The device classifies a
person’s liver as healthy or disease- affected by processing the reflected pulse of an
ultrasonic sensor. For this purpose, it uses a trained neural network. In this way, an
initial warning is generated for a person so that he/she can consult a physician for a
detailed checkup and diagnosis.
5.23 Project 15
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Title: To evaluate parameters used in different scoring systems for severity of

acute pancreatitis and formulate a new scoring system to assess the severity of
acute pancreatitis
Principal Investigator: Dr. Muhammad Umar

Co- Investigator: Dr. Muhammad Hanif, Dr. Tanvir Hussain
Department of Medicine, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi
Approved by: IRF
Total Funds: Nill
5.23.1Summary
Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammatory condition of the pancreas. AP has varying

etiology with an overall mortality of 5-10%. Our aim is to prospectively compare
different parameters used in Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation
(APACHE-II), Ranson’s score, Bedside Index of Severity in Acute
pancreatitis(BISAP) and modified computed tomography severity index (MCTSI) for
predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis at Rawalpindi medical university allied
hospitals admitted patients with acute pancreatitis and formulate a new scoring system
to assess the severity of acute pancreatitis based on their prognostic severity index.
The rationale of this study is to compare different parameters used in APACHE II,
Ranson’s, BISAP, and MCTSI for the severity of acute pancreatitis and design new
criteria to assess the severity of AP based on their prognostic significance at a local
population which may be cost-effective.
The first meeting was held on 12-4-2019 and Final approval was taken in 27-6-2019
(Dean meeting for project and structured proforma).
Registration (data collection) of AP cases was started on 2-7-2019 on structured
proforma and up till now, 43 cases have been registered. Project submitted for
approval in the coming Ethical Committee. The total duration of the project is one
year. The focal person of all concerned departments has been nominated and trained.
Initially, a fortnightly meeting of the focal person held and now from the onward
once-monthly meeting of focal person will be held. Data analysis will be present after
100 cases and then after every three-month analysis of cases will be executed.
5.24 Project 16
Title: Digital library of medical apps, a medical professional support system
Principal Investigator: Prof. Muhammad Umar

Co-investigator: Prof. Iftikhar Hanif, Prof. Riaz Shaikh, Dr. Muhammad Osama, Dr.
Syed Muhammad Ali
Approved by: Applied for Approval and Patenting
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MOU signed: Between RMU and PASTIC in March 2019

Total Funds: Nill
5.24.1Summary
This system set-ups and aligns online medical knowledge sources for healthcare
professionals. All these sources will then be gathered and composed into one single
source named “medhut”.
This system will be based on indexation, citation, and color grading with the
recommended algorithm. Varying colors will represent sources of knowledge for
different levels of healthcare professionals, ranging from students to medical experts.
It is unique in the fact that it also categorizes the medial apps according to the
specialty that will bring a new life for learners and trainers.
5.25 Project 17
Title: Changing Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern of Bacterial isolates from
intensive care units of tertiary care hospitals
Principal investigator: Prof. Naeem Akhtar

Co-investigator: Dr Shireen Rafiq
Approved by: will be submitted to ORIC, RMU
Name of funding Agency: Apply for funds
Total Funds: Till not
5.25.1 Summary
Antibiotic resistance is when bacteria develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed
to kill them. It is a top threat to the public’s health and a priority across the globe.
According to WHO, antibiotic resistance could cause 10 million death each year by
2050. AMR threatens our progress in healthcare and life expectancy. Antibiotic
resistance is found in all regions of the world. International health organizations,
including ECDC and CDC, have used terms such as “crisis,” “catastrophic
consequences” and “nightmare scenario” to highlight the rapid emergence and
spread of antibiotic resistance
The intensive care unit (ICU) is the epicenter of infections because of extremely
vulnerable populations owing to multiple procedures, use of invasive devices
(intubation, mechanical ventilation, vascular access, etc.) and use of several drugs. To
identify causative bacterial organisms for infections in Medical, Surgical, and
Pediatric ICUs. To determine the antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacterial
isolates and to
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compare the changing patterns of bacterial isolates and AMR with previous data of
2010, 2013, 2018, 2019, and 2020.
5.25.2 Project 18
Title; Emergence of MDR and XDR Salmonella typhi in Rawalpindi region and
their current treatment options; A MULTICENTER STUDY
Principal investigator: Prof Naeem Akhtar

Co-investigator: Dr. Kiran Ahmad
Approved by: Approval from IRF will be taken
Total Funds: Nill
5.25.3 Summary
Salmonella typhi is a gram-negative bacillus (Enterobacteriaceae) that causes enteric

or typhoid fever. Spread is through the fecal-oral route. Typhoid fever is a major
health hazard and caused plenty of death in developing countries. 200000 deaths each
year. XDR typhoid outbreak in Pakistan was reported in November 2016 in
Hyderabad, Sindh. In Karachi, 2000 cases have been confirmed. The emergence and
to determine current trends in antibiotic resistance pattern of MDR and XDR
Salmonella typhi in the Rawalpindi region and to look for better treatment options to
reduce the morbidity and mortality. Strengthen the evidence base knowledge through
research
5.26 Project 19
Title: Lab Diagnostic of Dengue in Current 2019 outbreak/

Drawing a model to predict the Dengue outbreak in Pakistan
Principal investigator: Prof. Muhammad Umar

Co-investigator: Dr. Shazia Zeb, Dr. Haroon Rashid
Total Funds: Nill
5.26.1Summary
Pakistan is facing a drastic dengue outbreak menace since 2005. Propagation and
survival of 4 serotypes of Aedes mosquito in Pakistan are mainly attributed to
climatic conditions, urbanization, communication gap, and poor surveillance, thus
paving the way towards the emergence of peak incidence of this disease.
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Approximately 50% of the global population is residing in dengue prone regions and
100 million dengue cases are reported annually. High mortality and morbidity are
mainly attributed to dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome that is
considered to be the most severe form of this ailment3. Even no internationally
authorized vaccine is available for its prevention.
Pakistan is a hotspot for numerous vector-borne diseases in addition to dengue fever
and this disease is attributed to the circulation of all four serotypes of dengue virus.
WHO regional office is seriously concerned with the outbreak of dengue in Pakistan
during 2019. Aim of the study is to mitigate the chances of dengue epidemic in future
by focusing on the number of previous dengue cases, population size / Population at
risk, characteristics (demographic & C/F) of patients, geographic/climatic conditions
(Relative humidity, rainfall, sea surface temperature, and air temperature, etc.). Data
of each patient is entered on software including demographic, symptomatic,
diagnostic, co-morbidity data under the supervision of Doctors. Then files were
coded according to software entry. Each file was saved in a separate envelope.
Patient data is collected from RMU & Allied Hospitals (HFH, BBH, and DHQ)
5.27 Project 20
Title: determination of diagnostic and prognostic criteria for Dengue virus

infection in hospital-based Pakistani population in Rawalpindi, A retrospective
and prospective cohort study
Principal investigator: Prof. Naeem Akhtar

Co-investigator: Dr. Shireen
Rafiq Name of funding Agency:
Nill Total Funds: Nill
5.27.1Summary
The dengue virus and their mosquito vectors had a wide distribution across many
tropical countries on three continents for more than 200 years. Significant outbreaks
occur and the populations at risk include those in urban tropical and subtropical areas
and constitute 40% of the world population. Annually, 100 million cases of dengue
fever, and half a million cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) occur globally.
The average fatality rate is around 5%. Up to 90% of patients with DHF are children
less than 15 years of age. Pakistan reported its first outbreak of dengue hemorrhagic
fever in 1994. Dengue virus is now endemic in Pakistan, circulating throughout the
year with a peak incidence in the post-monsoon period. Monsoon rains and floods in
Pakistan made the situation worse. During 2010–2011, the dengue outbreak had
occurred in many districts of Punjab province including Lahore, Sheikhupura,
Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Attock, and Rawalpindi. 2013–2014 outbreaks in
Rawalpindi, Swat, and Mansehra. The latest epidemic of 2019 affecting mainly
Rawalpindi, Peshawar,
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Karachi, and other cities. The project is initiated on the already available data from
2015 onwards from the patients’ files; all the diagnostic and prognostic criteria
including the symptoms, radiological, and laboratory findings will be analyzed. Big
data and multivariate analysis will help in early diagnosis and prognosis of dengue
fever.
5.28 Project 21
Title: Hepatitis Free Rawalpindi City Initiative, From Cure to control: A Project
under Patron ship of Vice-Chancellor Rawalpindi Medical University
Principal investigator: Prof. Muhammad Umar

Co-investigator: Dr. Affifa
Kulsoom Name of funding Agency:
Nill Total Funds: Nill
5.28.1 Summary
• Awareness and prevention in community and health professionals
• To make Rawalpindi first hepatitis free city of Pakistan
• Moving from hepatitis C cure to elimination
• The first draft has been developed
• The second draft in light of suggestions of Dr. Shahzad Ali khan, HAS is
under process
• Costing would be done once the draft is finalized
5.29 Project 22
Title: “Dengue Fever interpersonal Preventive awareness deliverance Impact” A
qualitative study to evaluate interpersonal health awareness approach;
effectiveness & feasibility.
Principal investigator: Prof. Dr. Arshad Sabir

Co-investigator:
Dr Sana Bilal, Department of Community Medicine RMU
Total Funds: Nill
5.29.1 Summary
The current (Aug-Oct 2019) Dengue Fever Interpersonal Campaign was undertaken to
avail the opportunity of availability of receptive & appropriate for IP contact
population. DF Prevention Awareness Performa was designed to ensure delivery of
the whole message, a ready resource for the client, and to bring objectivity in work at
the
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end of the sender. Performa was Health Education Activity-based not for research
purposes.
Proposed Research is as follows
Phase-I
• IP Health awareness deliverance experience; (Senders, management & logistic
aspects)
• Focus Group Discussion
• Guided and Supervised by Social Science Researcher. (Dr. Faiza )
• Learning opportunity for RMU
faculty Phase-II (next season)
• IP Health awareness deliverance experience ( recipient retention of knowledge
& practices change etc)
• New Research-based data tool will be designed
• Recipient participatory research ( FGD)
•
5.30 Project 23
Title: “RMU Artificial Intelligence Project, to safe and improve lives.
Principal investigator: Prof. Dr Muhammad Umar

Co-investigator: Prof. Dr. Faud Ahmed Khan Niazi
Name of funding Agency: Nil
Total Funds: Nil
5.30.1Summary
5.30.2
To use sophisticated artificial Intelligence-based algorithms to discern, identify, and
distinguish specific patterns and features for learning from a large volume of health
care data, and then apply the obtained information and capability to assist and
enhance remedial interventions and clinical practice.
5.31 Project 24
Title: Genetic predisposition to dementia for early prognosis in Pakistani

Population.
Principal investigator: Dr Uzma

Shaukat Approved by: ORIC, RMU and
HEC Name of funding Agency: HEC
Total Funds: 5.0 Million
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5.31.1Summary
Dementia is a complex disease affecting memory and cognition of an individual thus
affecting social functioning. It is highly prevailed and affected millions of people in
their late onset all over the world. In Pakistan, dementia is alos increasing every year
because of steadily growth in older population and stable increment in life
expectancy. This project will provide a description of dementia, its demographic
features and molecular genetics of dementia in Pakistan.
5.32 Project 25
Title: Genetic linkage Association studies for breast cancer susceptibility in

Pakistani population for early detection and prognosis.
Principal investigator: Dr Uzma

Shaukat Co-Investigator: Dr Huma
Shafique Approved by: ORIC, RMU and
Total Funds: Rs. 2394500
5.32.1Summary
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer, is regarded as the 5 th most common
cause of cancer death worldwide. Among Asian countries especially in Pakistani
population there has been alarming increase in the incidence of breast cancer.
Considering the current scenario immense efforts are required to identify the major
risk factors for breast cancer. Etiology of breast cancer involves complex combination
of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Epidemiological evidence highlights
genetic susceptibility to breast cancer. i.e, female relatives of breast cancer patients
presents two fold risk of developing the disease as compared to general population.
Breast cancer susceptibility is largely polygenic, i.e. it has found to be associated with
inherited mutation of high penetrance genes (BRCA1, BRCA2 etc). genetic variants
in susceptibility genes leading to a disease are highly polymorphic in populations of
diverse races and ethnicities. However, most of the studies have been carried out in
Europeans, some of their research encompasses few ethnic groups localized here.
There is immense need to explore genetic factors/variants attributing to breast cancer
in Pakistani population to elucidate the genetic causes leading to breast cancer
development, the information gleamed from this study will help to prevent and
ultimately cure and decrease breast cancer incidence, especially through prenatal
diagnosis and genetic counseling.
5.33 Project 24
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Title: Request for the establishment of breath testing facility by patients

diagnostic lab, PINSTECH at Rawalpindi Medical University and Allied
hospitals.
Principal investigator: Dr Faisal

Rasheed Approved by: ORIC, RMU and
Total Funds: Rs. 48,98,856
5.33.1Summary
The Helicobacter pylori infection is considered the prime cause of genetic cancer and
it has been designated as class I carcinogen by the international agency for research
on cancer. H pylori plays a significant role in increasing bacterial endurance in host
stomach. The spiral shape of H.pylori permit it in motility, while coccoid helps in
colonization and invasiveness in mucus layer of the gastric epithelium. Moreover, this
bacterium form biofilms as defensive strategy, which leads to antibiotic resistance
along with problems in eradication. The frequency of Hpylori infection is more in
developing as compared to developed republics.
The main objective of this project is the diagnosis of H.pylori infection using non
invasive and highly reliable technique of the world, isotope ratio mass spectrometry
on very economical test charges to the patients at RMU and Allied Hospitals.
5.34 Project 25
Title: Development of laser devices at 405 and 1064nm along with optical fiber based
light delivery probes for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal, rectal and
diabeteic disease dosorders.
Principal investigator: Dr Muhammad Saleem

Approved by: ORIC, RMU
Name of funding Agency: PSF
Total Funds: Rs. 5 Million
5.34.1Summary
Endoscopy laser therapy is an important and widely used optical tool in

gastroenterology and the development of optical fibers made it extremely flexible to
deliver light of particular wavelength to specific site. Depending upon laser
wavelength, energy and operational mode, it induces three type of therapeutic effects;
photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photobiomodulation therapy
(PBMT). In this projects, effect of photobiomodulation therapy on tissue healing and
photocoagulation of ulcer sores will be investigated. Interaction of light with cells
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increases its adenosine triphosphate (ATP) that results in the restoration of its function
and support in fast healing, reducing of inflammation and pain. In photocoagulation,
infrared lasres are used to increase the temperature of cells and it resultrs in
denaturation of proteins and collagen that leads to coagulation of tissue and it can
necrotize cells. In the present research project, medical grade optical fibers will be
used to produce guiding probes to assist red laser at 635nm and IR diode laser at
1064nm will be used to treat gastrointestinal disorders through photobiomodulation
therapy and photocoagulation. The laser therapy system (Model: PDT635) already
have been developed by National Institute of Laser and Optronics (NILOP) Pakistan,
will be used in these proposed treatments/studies. Fiber optic probes of different core
diameter and lasers at 405 and 1064nm will be developed at NILOP and later on
provided to Dr. Tayyab Saeed Akhter at Gastroenterology Department, Holy Family
Hospital Rawalpindi for clinical part of proposed study.
5.35 Project 26
Title: Local Hepatitus Elimination and Prevention (LHEAP)
Principal investigator: Dr Nida Ali

Name of funding Agency:
Total Funds: Rs.
5.35.1Summary
Viral hepatitis B and C cause 1.1 million deaths and 3.0 million new infections across
the globe per year, disproportionately impacting people around the globe and resulting
in considerable morbidity and mortility. Underdiagnosis of viral hepatitis is a key
bottle neck in elimination efforts. Only 10% of people who have chronic infection
with hepatitis B virus (HBV) are diagnosed, of which receive treatment. For hepatitis
C infection, 21% of people are diagnosed and 62% of those diagnosed receive
treatment. Many of the populations who are most severely affected by viral hepatitis
are also those that face the greatest challenges in accessing necessary services. Access
to prevention, harm reduction and health-care services for these populations is largely
insufficient, and persistent stigma, inequalities and other socio-structural barriers are
preventing response efforts from reaching the people who need them most.There are
major gaps in hepatitis B and C testing and treatment all across the world,
specifically among economically disadvantaged regions, rural and displaced
populations and at-risk key populations often marginalized by society. Added on,
programs are being held back by a lack of funding and the high prices of diagnostics,
treatments, and vaccines, especially in low- and middle-income countries with a high
viral hepatitis burden.
5.36 Project 27
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Title: Innovative imaging artificial intelligence (AI) based diagnostic tools for
detection of stroke paradigm with clinical validation on local datasets.
Principal investigator: Dr Nasir Khan

Name of funding Agency:
Total Funds: Rs. 1.1 million
5.36.1 Summary
The main objective of radiology in disease management is to provide comprehensive

information about structural and disease related changes with a various choice of tools
imaging modalities and techniques available for the early detection, staging and
treatment. Stroke or Major vascular occlusion leading to hemodynamic changes
manifested as ischemic or hemorrhagic infarction is leading cause of morbidity and
mortality after myocardial infraction in worldwide and acute stroke caused by LVO
(Large vascular occlusion) detection requires emergent detection and treatment by
endovascular thrombectomy, however radiological detection is subject to various
delays, human expertise and puts a great burden on already strained system by limited
resources, fewer radiologists and complex funding issue. The project aims to build an
artificial intelligence (AI) based assistive technology for analyzing radiology images
by methods of random forest learning (RFL) and convolutional neural networks
(CNN). Keeping in view the importance of Radiology and shortage of radiologist, AI
can play vital role by provoding the medical community with much needed
addiotional support that can potentially reduce the healthcare burden.
This Liasion and research collaboration is between with institute of health innovation
and education, Neurocare Al Academy providing deep care algorithm consisting of
CNN-LSTM architecture and Rawalpindi Medical University (CT non enhanced
scans data will be collected from Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi. The proposed
project aims to develop a PACS (picture archiving and communication system)
integrated DICOM with medical imaging and diagnostics lab system will be able to
archieve different spectral images of stroke) and will be able to diagnose, classify and
segment the disease in less time than human. AI will be used as the main tool behind
the specialized system which will enable the system to learn features that are
unrealizable and unidentified by human eye. The system will be a breakthrough and
will help in upgrading the local healthcare handle.
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5.37 Project 28
Title: Pancreatic Cancer Detection using deep learning for ROSE during EUS guided
FNAC
Principal investigator: Dr Yasir
Ayaz Approved by: ORIC, RMU and
5.37.1Summary
This project aims to develop a decision support tool for Endoscopic Ultrasound – Fine
Needle Aspiration (EUS-FNA) operators in order to aid them in performing Rapid On
Site Evaluation (ROSE) of patients for pancreatic cancer screening. Deep Learning
framework will be used to process and analyse the data stream from EUS in real time
and perform object detection of adequacy of sample and diagnosing of cancerous or
pre-cancerous tissue development. It is proposed that EUS-FNA biopsy slides be
scanned and the resulting images be labeled adequate sample for diagnosis and
malignant. Subsequently, the data set be divided into training and testing parts having
equal percentage of PC positive cases in both divisions. The training data may then be
used to train a deep learning image detection algorithm based model and the model be
subsequently tested on the test dataset. As performance evaluation metrics
classification accuracy and FI score may be evaluated.
Existing object detection alogrithms may be employed to train deep learning models.
This would require training and testing of defferent models and their performance
evaluation. In case existing alogrithms do not meet the performance criteria, feature
engineering, model turning and other machine learning techniques may be used.
5.38 Project 29
Title: Decentralized AI Video Surveillance System
Principal investigator: Dr Yasir

Ayaz Approved by: ORIC, RMU and
5.38.1Summary
Security is the paramount to ensure the safety of the public and protection of the
business interests of the people. It ha sbecome one of the key areas which are gaining
the attention of potential investors. With the latest developments in the field of
science
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and technology, new ways are being introduced to cater the need of increasing
demand for the artificial intelligence based security mechanisms that can efficiently
identify, analyze and report the potential threat with an increased accuracy as
compared to the traditional methods.
Pakistan needs to enhance the traditional security system to attract investments and
improved the overall safety of its citizens. The objective to develop this system is to
make Pakistan delf sufficient by introducing a trand of technology based security
system in the market. Once implemented, it will be open for furher modifications and
improvements to academia and researchers.
Our industry partners have shown a full confidence in the taem of experts from our
institution and the plan is to develop a cheap but powerful srveillenec system which
will reduce the risk of potential threats. It is pertinent to note that the entire system
can be imported from some international companies which are already working in AI
domain. But the goal of this project is to design it locally using the labs and the talent
of our researchers and students. Students seeking entrepreneurship opportunities can
get inspiration from this project and introduce a variety of solutions to similar
problems locally without relying on the international companies.
5.39 Project 30
Title: Estimation of Economic Burden of antimicrobial resistance on patients (NIH,

Islamabad).
Principal investigator: Dr Muhammad Salman

Approved by: WHO
Name of funding Agency: WHO and Federal Government through PSDP
Total Funds:
5.39.1Summary
Antimicrobial resistance is defined as a failure of antimicrobials to fight against

bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. This brings difficulty to treat even simple or life
threatening infections, therefore increasing the risk of disease spread, prolonged
illness, extended hospital stays, and death. This shortage is affecting countries all over
the globe. The majority of published studies reflected direct association between
antibiotic resistance and adverse outcomes, that has almost doubled mortality,
morbidity, and cost for patients with resistant infections in comparison to those with
susceptible infections. However original scope of the AMR in the Region, and its
impact on health, costs for healthcare sector, and its social impact is still unclear. If
this issue is left untouched, the world will enter once again in a post antibiotic era
where common infections could once again kill (WHO, Global report on
surveillance).
To address the above concern, a pilot survey is planned in Islamabad to understand
the economic burden of antimicrobial resistance due to extended stay of patients in
health
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facilities. The study complies withassigned activities under 5th objective of National
Action Plan on AMR & IPC.
5.40 Project 31
Title: Behavioral cost effective interventions to improve outpatient antibiotic
prescribing for acute respiratory infections in Pakistan
Principal investigator: Dr Muhammad Salman

Approved by: WHO
Name of funding Agency: WHO and Federal Government through PSDP
Total Funds:
5.40.1Summary
Inappropriate prescribing is a global issue. In USA, it is estimated that more than 50%
of out-patient prescribed antibiotics are inappropriate, predominantly among patients
seeking treatment for acute respiratory infections (ARI) caused by viruses. According
to the estimation made by WHO, ARTI account for 20% of all the childhood deaths.
Globally, 40% of the mortalities due to ARTIs have been reported in developing
countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia and India. The introduction of
educational and behavioural interventions based on digital support of prescription
habits is a novel approach and expected to substantially reduce the ratio of
inappropriate antibiotic prescription in major public sector hospitals of Pakistan. The
objective is to provide educational support to the healthcare providers on software for
rational prescription of antibiotics in acute respiratory infections.
Publications (International)
1. Mental health Protocol: Cognitive–behavioral therapy-based intervention to treat

symptoms of anxiety in pregnancy in a prenatal clinic using non-specialist providers
in Pakistan: design of a randomized trial: Pamela J Surkan, Syed Usman Hamdani,
Zill-e Huma, Huma Nazir, Najia Atif, Armaan A Rowther, Rizwana Chaudhri S,
Hamsa Zafar, Luke C Mullany, Abid Malik, Atif Rahman: Epub Volume 10, Issue 4,
2020, http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0334-5931
2. A Woman Is a Puppet.” Women’s Disempowerment and Prenatal Anxiety in

Pakistan: AQualitative Study of Sources, Mitigators, and Coping Strategies for
Anxiety in Pregnancy Armaan A Rowther , Asiya K Kazi , Huma Nazir, Maria Atiq ,
Najia Atif
, Nida Rauf 2 , Abid Malik 2 and Pamela J Surkan : Int. J. Environ. Res. Public
Health (Open Access Journal): 2020, 17, 4926; doi: 10.3390/ijerph1714492.
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3.Development of a Psychological Intervention to Address Anxiety During Pregnancy

in a Low-Income Country: Najia Atif, Huma Nazir, Shamsa Zafar, Rizwana
Chaudhri, Maria Atiq, Luke C. Mullany, Armaan A. Rowther, Abid Malik, Pamela J.
Surkan, and Atif Rahman , Front Psychiatry. 2019; 10: 927.
Published online 2020 Jan 10. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00927, PMCID:
PMC6967413, PMID: 31998151
4. Effects of tranexamic acid on death, disability, vascular occlusive events and other
morbidities in patients with acute traumatic brain injury (CRASH-3): a randomised,
placebo-controlled trial The CRASH-3 trial collaborators* Lancet 2019; 394: 1713–
23 Published Online October 14, 2019 https://doi.org/10.1016/ S0140-
6736(19)32233-0
5.Title: Effects of a high-dose 24-h infusion of tranexamic acid on death and

thromboembolic events in patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding (HALT-IT): an
international randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial: Lancet 2020; 395:
1927–36
6. Development of a patient reported outcome questionnaire to measure the impact of
postpartum blood loss in women with moderate and severe anaemia: A study using a
multi-faceted approach [version 1; peer review: approved with reservations]
Lori Miller, Shahana Chaudhri, Danielle Beaumont, Aasia Kayani, Kiran Javid,
Rizwana Chaudhri, Phil Edward, Amy Brenne, Ian Roberts, Haleema Shakur-Still:
Wellcome Open Research 2019, 4:85 Last updated: 17 MAR 2020
7.Frequency and management of maternal infection in health facilities in 52 countries

(GLOSS): a 1-week inception cohort study. The WHO Global Maternal Sepsis Study
(GLOSS) Research Group. Lancet Glob Health. 2020 May; 8(5): e661–e671.
Published online 2020 Apr 27. doi: 10.1016/S2214-109X(20)30109-1PMCID:
PMC7196885. PMID: 32353314
8. Dengue Epidemic 2019-An Experience in Tertiary care Hospitals of Rawalpindi
Medical University Pakistan: Shazia Zeb, Rizwana Shahid, Muhammad Umar,
Sumaira Yasmeen: March, 2020 DOI: 10.32474/LOJNHC.2020.02.000148
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Section VIII:
Commercialization (ORIC)
Health Certification Courses
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6.1 CERTIFICATE HEALTH RESEARCH

COURSE
Certificate course in Health Research is a new certification offered by Rawalpindi

Medical University, Rawalpindi. This name is well recognized and established for the
last many decades worldwide. The learning objectives of this certificate course were
designed following a need assessment and a valid syllabus is chosen. It is mandatory
to complete all modules of the course to receive the qualification of Certificate in
Health Research.
This is structured to include interactive sessions and relevant workshops for the
development of a sound basis for Health Research through feasible contact sessions.
Rawalpindi Medical University is committed to providing full support for the
implementation of this certificate course by allocating necessary resources, providing
faculty development, and establishing a monitoring system to take it to next level to
meet with the international standards.
Course Director
Prof. Syed Arshad Sabir
Dean of Community Medicine &
Public Health
Course Conveners
Dr. Khaula Noreen Dr. Sidra Hamid
Assistant Professor, Assistant Professor, Physiology
Community Medicine
6.1.1 Rationale & Needs Assessment
The increasing importance of research in healthcare practices and competency in

research methods for a medical-professionals is highly debated, deliberated, and
demanded but it has not given due space in the framework of the medical career.
Much attention has been focused in recent past on scarcity of numbers of physician-
scientist in our part of t h e world
Unfortunately, this problem is aggravated by a lack of effective training in health

research and it is not possible to resolve this issue without tacking this gap. Research-
oriented healthcare providers can practice evidence-based medicine with more
promising treatment outcomes and a positive impact on the overall wellbeing of the
people. Research is the only portal to provide “evidence” to human health
development efforts. The medical profession is by default obligatory to health
research. Since research plays a key role in the practice of medicine as a profession;
a multi-pronged
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approach needs to be exercised, to best address the health needs of a community

Discovery-care continuum introduced in academic health institutions played a
significant contribution in the integration of research inpatient care and led to an
improvement in the health care system. The „Think much; publish little‟ dictum was
then replaced by a „Publish or perish‟ culture. There is a need to produce research-
oriented professionals who can generate evidence in improving health systems, act as
advocates and champions for addressing the 21st-century challenges confronting
Pakistan.
6.1.2 The vision of the Course

The Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU)‟s Certificate in Health Research (CHR)
program is aimed at the development of health research capacity among health care
professionals with the purpose to promote research in health academic institutions and
the health care system. The development of research capacity is expected to equip the
health professionals with knowledge and skills to practice evidence-based practice
and evidence-based decision- making in health care, policy-making and management,
and public health intervention implementation. The program stresses hands-on
training to develop knowledge and skills for research problem identification and
prioritization, preparation of research project proposals and protocols, searching for
literature, preparation of research plans and budgets, research reports and publications
writing and reviewing of research proposals and publications.
6.1.3 The mission of the Course

To produce competent research-oriented Professionals in the community, adequately
equipped with the knowledge, skills, and attitude deemed necessary to meet the
healthcare needs of the community and play a fundamental leadership role in the
provision of comprehensive healthcare services through evidence-based medicine.
6.1.4 Aims & Objectives
o Promote innovation and research to improve the overall health status of the
community
o Develop institutional culture & infrastructure for long term sustainability and
acceptability for research
o Enhance the capability in performing quality research
o Setting the standard of excellence in research among medical professionals.
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6.1.5 Learning Outcomes

On completion of certification in Health Research, the participants should be able to:
1. Develop fundamental concepts of research and philosophy of research

2. Design different types of research studies including descriptive, analytical and
experimental studies
3. Apply of evidence in clinical practice, health management and implementation
of public health interventions
4. Select appropriate statistical techniques for different types of research studies
and hypothesis testing
5. Select and use appropriate computer software for data processing and analysis
and communication of research results
6. Have advanced knowledge and critical understanding of types and uses of
evidence in health care.
7. Apply evidence-based medicine in clinical practice.
8. Understand the principles of systematic reviews and meta-analysis
9. Understand and apply principles of Good clinical practice
10. Understand plagiarism.
11. Construct a proper research proposal.
6.1.6 Program Specifications
Certificate Awarding Rawalpindi Medical University in collaboration with

Institute University of
Wales
Duration 6 months, having contact session every 6-weeks, each
of two days a weekend (total 8 days )
8:00 Am to 2:00 PM
Course structure 4 contact sessions each comprising of 02 days

Courses in Contact session- Basics of Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Ethics
I Biostatistics; Basic concepts (Basic data types,
distributions, and analyses, estimation of confidence
intervals )
Sampling and hypothesis testing
Statistical tests
Epidemiological study designs with merits & demerits
Basics of Medical Research Ethics
Courses in Contact session- Research proposal writing
II Evidence-Based Medicine
Publication of research paper
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Courses in Contact session- Hand on Training

III
Courses in Contact session- Grant proposal writing
IV Application-based project for grant writing
Credit hours 10 credit hours
Total contact days 08
Number of students per 20
Batch
Fees PKR 30,000
Admission Criteria MBBS/MD/BSc Nursing /Allied Health Sciences
Training sites Rawalpindi Medical University, New Teaching Block

Teaching strategies Workshops, interactive sessions, Virtual
learning,
Assignments
Assessment Candidates will be assessed through assignments and
Exit assessment.
6.1.7 Teaching Faculty
Rawalpindi Medical University Faculty
Community Medicine Department Prof. Dr. Syed Arshad Sabir

Dr. Sana Bilal
Dr.Khola Noreen
Dr. Rizwana Shahid
Dr. Afifa Kulsoom
Dr. Shaikh Abdul Rehman
Dr.Abdul Qudus
Dr. Farhan Hasan
Ph.D. Faculty Prof Naeem Akhtar

Prof Akram Randhawa
Prof Wafa Umer
Prof Shireen Rafiq
Dr M. Abdul Rab
Dr Uzma Shaukat
Dr Huma Shafique
Dr. Amna Noor
Dr Asma Nafeesa
Dr Faisal Sultan
Dr Rashid Iqbal
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Dr Muhammad Umar
Dr Huma Amin
National Faculty Prof. Dr. Umar Ali Khan; Pro-Vice-

Chancellor Health Sciences Isra
University
Prof. Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan; MBBS,
MBA-Finance, MPH, Ph.D., FRSPH;
Head of Department of Health
Management; Health Services Academy,
Islamabad
Mr. Shahzad Inayat Nursing Instructor
Nursing College, Isra University
Mrs.Jacoline Albert Senior Nursing
Instructor Nursing College, RMU
Mrs.Raisa Senior Nursing Instructor,
STMU, Islamabad
International Faculty Professor Tayyeb Tahir Consultant
Liaison Psychiatrist Dept. of Liaison
Psychiatry University Hospital of Wales,
Cardiff
Professor Stephen Davies

Steve Davies <daviesjs@diploma-
msc.com
6.1.8 Eligibility Criteria
MBBS/BDS, MD, or equivalent qualification recognized by PMDC; BSC/M. Sc

Nursing (Recognized by PNC); B. Sc /M. Sc/ DPT Physiotherapy; B. Sc / M. Sc
Paramedics; Pharm-B/Pharm-D; MSc Psychology. Computer literacy is a MUST.
6.1.9 Application Procedure

The available Admission form on the university website www.rmu.edu.pkshould be
filled online and submitted. The course organizer will finally select the candidates
after reviewing the application forms.
The candidates selected by the RMU management for the applied certificates will
submit the required copies of their academic qualifications along with the admission
fee.
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6.1.10Program Evaluation
The program will not be static, it will respond to 360-degree feedback to help design
for the future. The evaluation will be of two types:
At the end of each course: Feedback on the various parts of the course and is by
questionnaires completed for each course and final evaluation will be done after
course. The feedback will be coordinated by the Course Organizer and coordinators
for improvement. The final evaluation will be done at the time of completion of the
certificate course.
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6.2 THE LADY SANGEETA FELLOWSHIP IN

GENETICS AT RMU
Job Description and Application

Context
There are a dearth of funding opportunities for Pakistani
early career researchers (ECRs) to establish their
academic credentials. Time-limited resources and
training could help to address this unmet need. To this
end, we are happy to advertise a 1 year postgraduate
Lady Sangeeta Fellowship scheme in Genetics
beginning in October 2023.
Aims
This genetics fellowship is primarily intended to
develop research capacity in Pakistan. The Fellowship
will support individuals with the potential for and on a
trajectory to become a
future research leader. They are intended to support
LADY SANGEETA ECRs at various points of their development, from
FELLLOWSHIP (LSF)
initial pre-doctoral training to post-doctoral research.
IN
These Fellowships are designed to:
GENETICS
• Support individuals transitioning to the next
level in their careers, which may be through a
change from an existing / current role
• Provide funding for an ambitious programme of
research training and a challenging research
project, which offers accelerated personal and
career development
Plan
 Fellowship scheme aimed at ECRs, defined as those that are either pre-
doctoral or within 5 years of completing their doctorate and do not yet
have permanent academic posts
 Will be based at RMU
 Fellowship scheme will provide RMU-based supervision and mentoring from
international thought-leaders
 Open to those who have graduated from medicine or any health-
related discipline
 Start date for first intake is beginning of academic year October 2023
 Duration of Fellowship: 12 months
o First six months: laboratory work (Full time)
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o Second six months: Project implementation for commercialisation

/publication /report writing
 Interim reviews at 3 and 6 months and final review at 12 months.
 Project owned by RMU.
Award and support
 Degree eligibility: One year experience certificate of trainee shall be awarded.
 Fellows will receive a research stipend of: Rs 25,000/month
 Funds for consumables: Rs 75,000
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Section IX:
Conferences (National and
International)
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7.1 1st Annual Faculty Research Conference
The 1st Annual Conference of Faculty of RMU and Allied hospitals was held on
23.12.2019 at Latif Auditorium, OTB, RMU. It was organized by ORIC & Faculty
Research Forum, RMU. It was a prestigious event organized with a motivation to
provide an excellent platform for the academicians, researchers, clinicians to share
their reseach findings with each other.
December 2019
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7.2 2nd Annual Resident Research Conference
Rawalpindi Medical University Resident Research Forum was established with an

aim to cultivate and nurture the research culture among post-graduate trainees of
RMU allied hospitals. 2nd Annual Resident Research Conference was held in Latif
Auditorium, OTB, RMU on 24.12.2019. it was organized by: ORIC & Resident
Research Forum, RMU.
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9.3 Conference on Family Medicine

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) in collaboration with the
Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA)
and Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU) hold a conference on family
medicine entitled ‘Building Primary Care Capacity: Pakistan's Critical
Need’ from March 4- 5, 2020 on the RMU's main campus
The event was meant to identify actionable items needed to enhance life
expectancy and health outcomes in the country. These included the fostering
of training programmes and policies for comprehensive development of
Family Medicine, investing in public health and health systems, and
initiating a crash programme for training nurses.
According to organisers, the conference was also consistent with the steps
taken recently by the HEC to enhance the quality and relevance of the
system of education in the country.
The APPNA experts were included Family Medicine faculty from
US/Canada training programmes, including Residency programme directors.
presented the curriculum and structure of Family Medicine training in
US/Canada and participated in design workshops to help Pakistan's
participating teaching institutions develop primary care training.
Participants from Pakistan included Vice Chancellors and faculty members
of medical universities and colleges, leaders from Federal and provincial
health ministries, representatives of regulatory bodies, and other
stakeholders.
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7.3 ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management

System (QMS) Training Course, 18th Jan, 2023
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7.4 Resident Research Forum Conference, 2021
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Section X:
Official Collaborative ORIC Visits to
Different Institutions
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Team of Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC) at the

Rawalpindi Medical University of Pakistan visited ORICs of other Universities who
are successfully running their ORICs to explore their functions and working. Further,
some other ORIC was also visited for collaborations and linkages development. A
brief of all visits is given below.
7.5 Orientation Visits to HEC with VC-RMU
7.6 N-ovative Health Tech (NUST), Islamabad
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7.7 Official Visit at National Science and

Technology Park (NSTP-NUST)
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7.8 ORIC-RMU Official Visit to Institute of

Space Technology (IST)
Department of Pathology
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7.9 ORIC-RMU Official Visits to the Departments of

RMU for Research activities and up gradation of
Laboratories
Department of Basic Sciences
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7.10 Industrial Linkage with Health Professionals
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7.11 Visit of Young Pre-Medical Students (Beacon

House School System, Islamabad Campus) to
Health Professionals at Rawalpindi Medical
University
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7.12 RMU-ORIC Capacity Building

Academic Calender, 2023
S
Marc Augu Septe Octo
r Title of Events April May June July
h st mber ber
#
 Lady Sangeeta
Fellowship 8th /03
 Meeting with all
faculty members, 16th
1. PhD holders in /03
RMU for research 16th
 Departmental /03
Meetings in RMU
and Allied Hospitals
 Orientation sessions 2nd

of research and week
2. Innovation in RMU
 Certificate of 3rd
Innovation & week
Entrepreneurship
 Patents Orientation 1st

sessions by IPO week
 Products and
3. Prototype
development by 2nd
NUST, Brig Tariq, week
CUST
Advanced innovation hands 1st
4. on workshops week
Development of Business 1st
5. Incubation Center week
Advance analytical skills for 2nd
6. health professionals week
2nd
7. RENOVACON, 2023 week
Marketing of patent projects
1st
8.
week
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Section XI:
Workshops/Seminars/Programs
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7.13 Workshop on “Research Article Writing and getting it

published”
Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC) organized a one day

workshop on “Research Articlel Writing" at Syndicate Hall, Old Campus, RMU Jan,
2022. The Facilitator was Dr Huma Shafique, Manager Research Management, RMU-
ORIC and Dr Lubna Meraj, Associate Professor Medicine, BBH. Faculty members
from RMU, PGTs from Allied hospitals, attended the workshop.
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Section XII:
Rawalpindi Medical University-
Commercialization Budget
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Section XIII:
Publications (Journal of Rawalpindi
Medical University & Students
Journal of Rawalpindi Medical
University)
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9.1 Journal of Rawalpindi Medical University
The Journal of Rawalpindi Medical College is a double-blind peer-reviewed open-

access journal that is recognized by both HEC and PM&DC. It follows the Committee
on Publication Ethics (COPE), and the International Committee of Medical Journal
Editors (ICMJE) guidelines. It was started in the year 1997 by the founding editors'
Prof Khalid Randhawa, Prof Mussadiq Khan, Prof Khalid Hassan, and Prof Masood
Qureshi. From the year 2000 to 2008 it was regularly published biannually under the
editorship of Prof Khalid Hassan, Prof Imtiaz Ali, and Prof Arif Malik and was
recognized by PM&DC in 2002. By the efforts of Prof Irfan and Dr. Nadeem Ikram,
quarterly publications were started in 2014 and eventually recognized by HEC.
According to the vision of the vice-chancellor Prof M Umar, under the editorship of
Dr. M Khurram and Dr. Arsalan Manzoor Mughal, we constantly strive to ensure
quality and highest ethical standards of medical publication.
9.2 Scope of JRMC

JRMC is meant to;
1) Facilitate the creation of medical professionals in basic and clinical medical
sciences per its utility for medical practice
2) To employ medical research as a potent and effective tool in combating
disease and alleviating the suffering of mankind.
Editorial Advisory Board is comprised of both national and international
research experts.
JRMC publishes important and leading topics focusing on basic and clinical
medical research.
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9.3 JRMC Workflow Process
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9.4 Student Journal of Rawalpindi Medical College

With the advent of Evidence-Based Practice over the last three decades in medical
sciences, integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and ethical
values is of paramount significance to improve the healthcare of the community.
Therefore it is inevitable for our healthcare workers to be well versed in research.
Untiring and persistent efforts of Prof. Muhammad Umar, Vice-Chancellor RMU are
worth mentioning in this regard. He not only organized many International Scientific
Conferences, Seminars and workshops at RMU but also took initiative for the Student
Journal titled “SJRMC” in 2014 to promote a culture of research among
undergraduate students. This Journal is published biannually under the editorship of
Prof Shagufta and Dr. Omaima Asif. There is a research society of students in the
university which is responsible for monitoring the research activities of students and
this society works under the senior faculty members who are actively involved in
research activities. Efforts of Dr. Faiza Aslam, Research Coordinator RMU are
commendable for conduction basic and advanced research methodology workshops,
correction of research proposals, and facilitating the students as well as residents in
the compilation of research data and narrations of articles.
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9.5 RMU Newsletter
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9.6 Editorial policies

It is the policy of the Journal of Rawalpindi Medical University (JRMC), to publish
articles of different fields of medical sciences which provide sufficient contribution to
medical knowledge. Incomplete studies are discouraged.
9.6.1 Objectives
1. To publish original, well documented, peerreviewed manuscripts related to the field
of medicine (both basic as well as clinical sciences)
2. To develop the habit of medical writing
3. To achieve a high level of ethical medical journalism.
4. To produce a publication that is credible & authentic.
13.6.2 Editorial freedom & independence

The Editor has full authority over the editorial content of the journal & timing of
publication of its content. The editorial team makes decisions on the authenticity &
validity of the submitted manuscripts in light of the journals’ aims & scopes. We are
of the vision that the editorial decision-making process should be independent of all
commercial concerns.
13.6.3 Manuscript withdrawal by the author

Once the article is submitted, the author grants the editorial board full publishing
rights & it is the absolute right of the editorial board to decide on article withdrawals.
13.6.4 Peer review process: Peer review is the unbiased critical assessment of
manuscripts by experts who are not part of the editorial team. Each article submitted
to JRMC for publication is reviewed by at least two specialists of the concerned
specialty as a double-blinded process.
13.6.4 Ehical committee: The journal requires a certificate from the respective
Institutional review board/ Ethical committee for the research encompassed in the
submitted manuscript. All clinical investigations must be conducted according to the
declaration of Helsinki principles.
13.6.5 Plagiarism prevention: Manuscripts are screened for plagiarism using

Turnitin software. After checking the plagiarism in the content submitted and the
journal has the right to inform the author and reject the manuscript based on set limits.
13.6.6 Citations: Research articles and non-research articles must cite appropriate
and relevant literature in support of the claims made.
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13.6.7Confidentiality: Editors will treat all manuscripts submitted to the Journal

of Rawalpindi Medical University in confidentiality. Our journal adheres to ICMJE
Ethical Guidelines for peer reviewers.
13.6.8 Journal Ownership: The Journal of Rawalpindi Medical University,

referred to as 'JRMC', is the property of Rawalpindi Medical University a not-for-
profit, provincially chartered, public sector University. It is governed and maintained
by the editorial board of the Journal under the supervision of the statutory bodies of
the University. OPEN ACCESS POLICY: JRMC provides open access to its content
with the vision that making research freely available to the public supports the global
exchange of knowledge.
13.6.9 Copyrights: JRMC is the owner of all copyright to any work published in
the journal. Any material printed in JRMC may be reproduced with the permission of
the authors, editors, or publishers. All articles are published under the Creative
Commons Attribution (CC-BY) license.
13.6.10 Disclaimer: The content published represent(s) the opinion of the

author(s). The editorial board makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and
authenticity of material(s) printed in the journal. However, conclusion(s) and
statement(s) expressed are view(s) of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the
opinion(s) of the editorial board of JRMC.
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Section XIV:
Guidelines
Development
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2023
ANTIBIOTIC USAGE
IN
INTENSIVE CARE UNITS
EVIDENCE BASED
RECOMMENDATIONS
RAWALPINDI MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

RAWALPINDI
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2023
10.1 Guideline for Antibiotic Resistance
These are Evidence based recommendations for empirical

antimicrobial usage in intensive care units of Rawalpindi Medical
University and Allied Hospitals. Evidence is based on the available data
of 2019 of antimicrobial resistance patterns seen in intensive care units.
This document outlines the antimicrobial recommendations for

Intensive Care Units of Rawalpindi Medical University and Allied
Hospitals. The recommendations are designed with the specific objective
of reducing or minimizing the use of antibiotics. Improper use of
antibiotics is major risk factors for the acquisition and infection with
multidrug resistant bacteria such as MRSA and ESBL producing E.coli
and Klebsiella species etc.
The recommendations are based on National antimicrobial policies of

Pakistan from the data collected from Rawalpindi Medical University and
Allied Hospitals. The recommendations have been developed by
Antibiotic Usage Committee of RMU. The recommendations should not
be used alone but be cross-referenced with relevant specialty protocols.
Нospital study was conducted to ascertain the current scenario of

bacterial susceptibility to optimize empiric therapy among patients
admitted in ICU’s. The present study concluded that tigecycline was
active against gram negative bacteria. Other drugs Imipenim,
Meropenem, aminoglycosides and flouroquinolones shows less than
thirty percent activity so cannot be recommended as empirical therapy.
These recommendations are intended to provide insight for healthcare

professionals who prescribe and oversee the provision of antimicrobial
therapy in Intensive Care Units. It does not offer recommendations on the
treatment of specific infections. The reader is referred to disease-specific
guidelines for such support.
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10.2 Guideline for Dengue
Rawalpindi has been facing Dengue epidemics since long. It was 2015 when last
biggest epidemic of dengue was noted here. 3917 dengue patients were diagnosed to
be suffering from dengue in 2015. The Dengue hit Rawalpindi, Islamabad in 2019
again. This year 11941 patients were diagnosed to be suffering from Dengue at
Rawalpindi medical University (RMU) Allied Hospitals. All efforts were employed
for efficient clinical management of Dengue patients at RMU Allied Hospitals. Indoor
and outdoor patient load was overwhelming that choked our Department of Infectious
Diseases and Medicine resource. The issue was managed on war footing. All the
RMU Departments were involved along with Health and Administrative authorities.
Vice Chancellor, RMU headed all this. RMU has successful in order to make
guidelines (clinical management of Dengue patients) and to provide framework so
that such epidemic can be managed in future. It is to be emphasized that epidemics
have to be prevented rather than managed, so all efforts should be done for prevention
so that resources can be used appropriately.
Dengue Clinical Management Clinical management of Dengue patients entails;

Identifying patients with dengue infection who require hospital management •
Managing Dengue patient in hospital set up while prioritizing problematic patients
i.e., Dengue Hemorrhagic fever (DSS) and Dengue shock syndrome (DSS) patients. •
Standardized dengue patient management • Educating patients and attendants about
the disease and its prevention • Capacity building by training of health care workers •
Liaison with departments concerned with prevention so that epidemic
situations/spread of disease can be prevented
Managing Patient load First and most crucial step in clinical management of an
epidemic is to handle patient load in such a way that morbidity and mortality remain
controlled. As generally hospital staff, and allocated beds at hospitals become
insufficient in epidemic settings, so these need to be arranged. Provision of
investigations and supply of medications required are also very important in this
regard. Maintaining cleanliness and solving patient/attendant issues is also important.
This require combined effort of Health Care Workers, Ancillary Staff, and
Administration. Based on patient load Dengue patient management at RMU Allied
Hospitals was done employing following phases • In Phase I-III, patient management
was confined to RMU attached hospitals and other Government, Semi Government
Hospitals • In Phase IV hospitals other than RMU Allied Hospitals were involved • In
Phase V, involvement of other hospitals if admission capacity saturates further.
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Future Perspective
 To establish Innovation Centre in the Research Unit, RMU
 To build innovative cohort community program, 2023.
 To improve the human resource development plan.
 To initiate Patent Orientation sessions by IPO Pakistan for patent filing.
 To build products/prototype development by NUST, Comsats, OU, CUST.
 Explore funding for establishing research at RMU in its various departments.
 To strengthen international linkages with international universities on
joint research proposals for international funding.
 To hold regular seminars, symposiums, workshops to promote the culture of
interaction and sharing scientific knowledge with researchers around the
world.
 To prepare research plans for university
 To explore possibilities of projects based on public-private partnership
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Section XVI:
References and Links
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 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) 2006.

“Outcome Project/competence”. Available at:
http://www.acgme.org/outcome/comp/compFull.
 American medical education 100 years after the Flexner report. Cooke M, Irby
DM, Sullivan W, Ludmerer KM .N Engl J Med. 2006 Sep 28; 355(13):1339-
44
 Colleges AOAM (1998) Learning Objectives for Medical Student Education-

Guidelines for Medical Schools, Medical School Objectives Project. NW
Washington, DC Association of American Medical Colleges Vol: 20037-1134.
 Chowdhury TA. Comments from Bangladesh on the 'Five Star Doctor'.

Changing Med Educ and Med Prac 1994, Dec, 14-15.
 Dr. Narjis R, Anam F, Sana T. Undergraduate Medical Curriculum: Relevance

and Appropriateness to Community‟s Health Needs. Biomed J Sci&Tech Res
5(4)- 2018.BJSTR. MS.ID.001230. DOI: 10.26717/ BJSTR.2018.05.0012302.
 Davison, H., Capewell, S., Macnaughton, J., Murray, S., Hanlon, P. &Mcewen,
J. (1999). Community-oriented medical education in Glasgow: developing a
community diagnosis exercise. Medical Education, 33(1), 55 – 62.
 Flexner A, Pritchett HS (1910) education in the United States and Canada. A

report to the Carnegie Foundation for the advancement of teaching. 1926 The
Journal of the American College of Dentists. the Carnegie Foundation for the
advancement of teaching, New York, USA 1901: 346.
 FGB. Accreditation of Graduate Medical Education Programmes: One size fits

all-or does it. Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J. 2013;13(2):198-201.9Flexner A.
Medical education in the United States and Canada: A report to the Carnegie
Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. New York: Carnegie
Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching; 1910
 General Medical Council. (2015). Outcomes for graduates. Manchester, UK:

General Medical Council.
 General Medical Council, GMC. 2009. Tomorrow‟s doctors: Outcomes and

standards for undergraduate medical education. London: GMC
 Healey M. 2005b.. Linking research and teaching to benefit student learning. J

Geograph High Educ29:183–201.
 http://www.enhancementthemes.ac.uk/themes/21stCGraduates/
 http://www.enhancementthemes.ac.uk/themes/ Research Teaching/default.asp
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 Jayadevan Sreedharan. Introduction of a Research component in the

undergraduate medical curriculum –Review of a trend22. October 2012 .Nepal
Journal of Epidemiology 2(3):200-4
 Laidlaw A, Aiton J, Struthers J, Guild S. (2012). Developing research skills in

medical students: AMEE Guide No. 69. Med Teach.;34:e754-71
 Medical Council of India. Vision 2015. National meet on the „Implementation

ofreforms on undergraduate and postgraduate medical education‟. New Delhi:
Medical Council of India; 2011
 Millar E, Baker M, Howden-Chapman P, Wilson N, Dickson N. 2009.

Involving students in real-world research: A pilot study for teaching public
health and research skills. BMC Med Ed 9:45–5
 Möller R, Shoshan M.( 2017) Medical students' research productivity and

career preferences; a 2-year prospective follow-up study. BMC Med
Educ.;17(1):51. Published 2017 Mar 3. doi:10.1186/s12909-017-0890-7
 PMDC & HEC. Curriculum of MBBS. http://www.pmdc.org.pk/

LinkClick.aspx.fileticket=EKfBIOSDTkE%3d&tabid=102&mid=556.
 N.A. Jafarey,(2007) priorities in medical education in Pakistan pages with

reference to book, from 312 To 313 N.
 Richardson, D., Oswald, A., Chan, M-K., Lang, E. S., & Harvey, B. J. (Eds).
(2015). Scholar. In: J.R. Frank, L. Snell & J. Sherbino (Eds.), CanMEDS 2015
Physician Competency Framework (pp. 24-25). Ottawa: Royal College of
Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
 Review of Preventive and Social Medicine / Community Medicine /

Community Health Curriculum for Undergraduate Medical Education Report
of the Expert Group Meeting SEARO, WHO, New Delhi, India, 27-28 August
2009. Available at http://www.searo.who.int/LinkFiles/Reports_SEA-
HSD327.pdf. Accessed on November 1, 2011.
 Riley SC, Morton J, Ray DC, Swann DG, Davidson DJ(2013). An integrated
model for developing research skills in an undergraduate medical curriculum:
appraisal of an approach using student selected components. Perspect Med
Educ.;2(4):230-47.
 Dzau VJ, Ackerly DC, Sutton-Wallace P, Merson MH, Williams RS, Krishnan
KR, Taber RC, Califf RM Lancet( 2010)The role of academic health science
systems in the transformation of medicine. 13; 375(9718):949-53
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 World Federation for Medical Education. (2015). Basic medical education.

WFME global standards for quality improvement. The 2015 revision. Ferney-
Voltaire, France: World Federation for Medical Education.
 No time to wait:securing the future from drug resistant infections. Report to

the secretary-general of the united nations. April
2019.https://www.who.int/antimicrobial-resistance/interagency-coordination-
group/IACG_final_report_EN.pdf?ua=1
 Marwick C, Davey P. Care bundles: the holy grail of infectious risk
management in hospital? Curr Opin Infect Dis. 2009;22:364–369.
 Hanberger H, Garcia-Rodriguez JA, Gobernado M, Goossens H, Nilsson LE,
Struelens MJ. Antibiotic susceptibility among aerobic gram-negative bacilli in
intensive care units in 5 European countries. French and Portuguese ICU
Study Groups. JAMA. 1999;281:67–71.
 Vincent JL, Bihari DJ, Suter PM, Bruining HA, White J, Nicolas-Chanoin
MH, Wolff M, Spencer RC, Hemmer M. The prevalence of nosocomial
infection in intensive care units in Europe. Results of the European Prevalence
of Infection in Intensive Care (EPIC) Study. EPIC International
Advisory Committee. JAMA. 1995;274:639–644.]
 Vandijck DM, Depaemelaere M, Labeau SO, Depuydt PO, Annemans L,
Buyle FM, Oeyen S, Colpaert KE, Peleman RP, Blot SI, Decruyenaere JM.
Daily cost of antimicrobial therapy in patients with Intensive Care Unit-
acquired, laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection. Int J
Antimicrob Agents. 2008;31:161–165.
 Blot S. Limiting the attributable mortality of nosocomial infection and
multidrug resistance in intensive care units. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2008;14:5–
13.
 Blot S, Depuydt P, Vandewoude K, De Bacquer D. Measuring the impact of
multidrug resistance in nosocomial infection. Curr Opin Infect
Dis. 2007;20:391–396.]
 Vincent JL, Rello J, Marshall J, Silva E, Anzueto A, Martin CD, Moreno R,
Lipman J, Gomersall C, Sakr Y, Reinhart K. International study of the
prevalence and outcomes of infection in intensive care
units. JAMA. 2009;302:2323–2329.
 Carlet J, Ben Ali A, Tabah A, Willems V, Philippart F, Chafine A, Garrouste-
Orgeas M, Misset B. In: 25 Years of Progress and Innovation in Intensive Care
Medicine. Kuhlen R, Moreno R, Ranieri VM, Rhodes A, editor. Berlin,
Germany: Medizinisch Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft; 2007.
Multidrug resistant infections in the ICU: mechanisms, prevention and
treatment; pp. 199– 211.
 Vincent J, Rello J, Marshall J, et al. International study of the prevalence and

outcomes of infection in intensive care units. JAMA. 2009;302:2323–2329.
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 Heddini A, Cars O, Qiang S, Tomson G. Antibiotic resistance in China—a

major future challenge. Lancet. 2009;373(9657):30.]
 Habibzadeh F. Lancet (London, England). 2013.
 Bin Abdulhak AA, Altannir MA, Almansor MA, Almohaya MS, Onazi AS,
Marei MA, et al. Non prescribed sale of antibiotics in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a
cross sectional study. BMC Public Health. 2011;11:538.
13http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications/Documents/antibiotic-resistance-in-
EU-summary.pdf.
 http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2016/06/17-epsco-
conclusions-antimicrobial-resistance/.
 Magiorakos A-P, Srinivasan A, Carey RB, Carmeli Y, Falagas ME, Giske CG,
et al. Multidrug-resistant, extensively drug-resistant and pandrug-resistant
bacteria: an international expert proposal for interim standard definitions for
acquired resistance. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2012;18:268–281.
 Peterson LR. Bad bugs, no drugs: no escape revisited. Clin Infect
Dis. 2009;49:992–993.]
 Livermore DM, Hope R, Brick G, Lillie M, Reynolds R. Non-susceptibility
trends among Enterobacteriaceae from bacteraemias in the UK and Ireland,
2001-06. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2008;62(Suppl 2):ii41–ii54.
 file:///Users/Huma/Downloads/Vit%20D/Funding-policy-HEIs.pdf
 https://adminguide.stanford.edu/chapter-3/subchapter-1/policy-3-1-2
 https://finance.princeton.edu/budgeting-financial-management/budgeting-
and-planning/budgeting-academic-departments
 https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/services/faculty/LCF/Documents/Financial%
20Rules%20for%20HEC%20Competitive%20Research%20Grants.pdf
 https://www.ucop.edu/research-policy-analysis-coordination/policies-
guidance/indirect-cost-recovery/Costs-of-Research-FAQ-AAU.pdf
 Kesselheim, A.S., Robertson, C.T., Myers, J.A., Rose, S.L., Gillet, V., Ross, K.M.,
Glynn, R.J., Joffe, S. and Avorn, J., 2012.New England Journal of
Medicine, 367(12), pp.1119-1127.
10.3 Electronic sources
www.hec.gov.pk
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ORIC

MESSAGE BY THE VICE-CHANCELLOR RAWALPINDI MEDICAL UNIVERSITY........................................1

INTRODUCTION TO RAWALPINDI MEDICAL UNIVERSITY...................................................................2

1.1 VISION OF RMU..............................................................................................................................3

RAWALPINDI MEDICAL UNIVERSITY-OFFICE OF RESEARCH INNOVATION AND..................................4

1.3 VISION OF RMU- ORIC....................................................................................................................5

RMU-ORIC POLICIES AND FORMS................................................................................................... 13

2.1 EXTERNAL & INTERNAL FUNDING FOR RESEARCH PROJECTS....................................................................................14

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING & LINKAGES.......................................................................35

6.1 MOU SIGNED WITH INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITIES.......................................................................................................36

5.1 LIST OF FUNDING AGENCIES.........................................................................................................................................41

5.2 INTERNATIONAL LINKAGES AND MOUS......................................................................................................................43

5.9 PROJECT 1.....................................................................................................................................53

OFFICE OF RESEARCH INNOVATION AND COMMERCIALIZATION (ORIC)..........................................79

HEALTH CERTIFICATION COURSES.................................................................................................. 79

6.1 CERTIFICATE HEALTH RESEARCH COURSE.................................................................................80

CONFERENCES (NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL)..........................................................................89

7.1 1ST ANNUAL FACULTY RESEARCH CONFERENCE........................................................................................................90

OFFICIAL COLLABORATIVE ORIC VISITS TO DIFFERENT INSTITUTIONS.............................................97

7.5 ORIENTATION VISITS TO HEC WITH VC-RMU.....................................................................................98

SECTION XI:................................................................................................................................. 105

7.13 WORKSHOP ON “RESEARCH ARTICLE WRITING AND GETTING IT PUBLISHED”......................................106

SECTION XII................................................................................................................................. 108

RAWALPINDI MEDICAL UNIVERSITY-OFFICE OF RESEARCH INNOVATION AND COMMERCIALIZATION

SECTION XIII:............................................................................................................................... 110

PUBLICATIONS (JOURNAL OF RAWALPINDI MEDICAL UNIVERSITY & STUDENTS JOURNAL OF

9.1 JOURNAL OF RAWALPINDI MEDICAL UNIVERSITY....................................................................................................111

SECTION XIV:............................................................................................................................... 117

GUIDELINES DEVELOPMENT......................................................................................................... 117

10.1 GUIDELINE FOR ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE............................................................................................................119

FUTURE PERSPECTIVE.................................................................................................................. 121

SECTION XVI:............................................................................................................................... 122

REFERENCES AND LINKS............................................................................................................... 122

10.3 ELECTRONIC SOURCES...........................................................................................................................................126

Message by the Vice- Chancellor

1.1 Vision of RMU

Rawalpindi Medical University-

Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC) established at the

Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC) provides end to end

Research excellence in all fields of study is central to the mission of Rawalpindi

1.3 Vision of RMU- ORIC

1.4 MISSION OF RMU- ORIC

Transforming Rawalpindi Medical University to drive high impact innovation,

1.5 AIMS & OBJECTIVES

The RMU-ORIC aims to:

1. Manage and enhance research activities at RMU which includes acting as a

2. Develop research policies and priorities which include management,

4. Supporting the university’s strategic research directions and plans.

6. Mobilize faculty and resources to produce quality research publications.

7. Improving integration of research and education at all levels of the university.

9. Improve the Human Resource Development Program and explore funding

10. Strengthen international linkages based on collaborative research proposals for

12. Improving the translation of research into public benefit.

13. Strengthening university-industry relationships.

14. Promoting entrepreneurship, technology transfer-transfer, and

15. Promoting and enhancing cross-cutting and multi-disciplinary

1.6 ORIC Team

Manager Research Operations & Development