KARACHI: What if the next epidemic could be detected before it spreads? That vision moved closer to reality as a state-of-the-art Emerging Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory (EIDRL) was inaugurated at Dow University of Health Sciences, marking a major leap in Sindh’s public health preparedness and disease surveillance capacity.
The facility was formally inaugurated by Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho at a ceremony attended by senior government officials and university leadership. Built at a cost of Rs1 billion, the project received Rs800 million in development funding from the Sindh government, which will also bear the recurring operational cost estimated at Rs300 million annually.
Calling the project a historic milestone, Dr. Pechuho said the laboratory reflects Sindh’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s health infrastructure and preparing for future epidemics. She noted that while Sindh has made significant progress in healthcare, its investments often go unrecognised, despite playing a critical role in national disease control.
You may like to read: DUHS inaugurates cardiac rehabilitation services at Ojha Campus
The laboratory has been established at the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital and Research Centre, located near NIPA Chowrangi, a specialised public-sector institution dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, management and research of infectious diseases. Officials said the new facility would significantly improve early detection and containment of fast-spreading pathogens.
According to a briefing given at the event, the laboratory will enable timely and accurate diagnosis of high-risk and emerging infections in a secure biosafety environment. It is expected to enhance the management of diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, influenza, HIV, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), drug-resistant typhoid and tuberculosis.
Health authorities emphasised that local access to advanced testing will reduce dependence on out-of-province and international laboratories, cutting both costs and turnaround time. The facility will also provide specialised biosafety and laboratory training to medical and technical staff, strengthening human resource capacity in infectious disease management.
Officials revealed that Sindh previously lacked a provincial reference laboratory at the required biosafety level, including animal biosafety level-3 capacity, to safely handle high-risk pathogens. The new EIDRL will offer limited but crucial research capability, including genomic sequencing during outbreaks and support for vaccine-related studies tailored to local epidemiological needs.
Vice Chancellor of DUHS Prof. Nazli Hossain said the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital is already providing free treatment services to patients from Sindh and other provinces, entirely funded by the Sindh government. She described the new laboratory as a strategic investment that shifts the province’s health system from a reactive approach to one focused on preparedness and prevention.
Experts speaking at the ceremony underlined that faster diagnosis means earlier treatment, fewer complications and reduced hospital transmission. The laboratory is also expected to contribute to the development of improved diagnostic tools, innovative treatment protocols and locally relevant vaccine research.
Assistant Professor of Virology Dr. Bilal Ahmed Khan, Prof. Nausheen Fatima of Nuclear Medicine, Prof. Maryam Nauman of Oncology and Dr. Muneeba Sheikh highlighted the importance of sustained public investment in infectious disease research, warning that global health threats demand constant vigilance and scientific capacity.
Senior officials described the project as a long-term investment in the safety and welfare of Sindh’s population, positioning the province as a national leader in epidemic preparedness. The establishment of the Emerging Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory was termed a proud milestone reflecting Sindh’s commitment to public safety and a healthier future for Pakistan.
Earlier, Dr. Pechuho unveiled a commemorative plaque to formally inaugurate the laboratory, while Prof. Hossain presented her with a commemorative shield at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Stay connected with Medical News Pakistan
CLICK HERE TO JOIN our WhatsApp Community for the latest health updates, life-saving medical news, and expert guidance straight to your phone.