Hina Rehman and Zakiuddin Ahmed
Pakistan among other South Asian developing countries is the seventh most populous country in the world. Despite offering inexpensive research resources, patient pool, well-established GCP compliant institutions and skilled researchers Pakistan has been unable to draw attention of multinational companies. Pakistan holds largest patient pool both treated and naïve, high burden of communicable diseases, established and accredited institutes, internationally certificated trainers yet Pakistan deal with challenges in global market. The division health facilities are mainly into private and public but due to unjust distribution of health sectors, rural remain the main area of concern due to lack of availability of the treatment. Even being an ideal site for clinical trials, Pakistan faces tremendous difficulties in achieving rank in international market due to fragmentation of national infrastructure and ethical consideration. Extensive investment and advancement is needed in improving the clinical research in Pakistan. This document discusses these challenges and failed opportunities in clinical research of Pakistan.
