Experts urge need to revisit regulations on bio-safety

LAHORE

Experts have said increased number of global incidence of mismanagement of dangerous pathogens at workplaces has necessitated revisiting the existing regulations on bio-safety and bio-security in the country and strict implementation of these laws. 

They were speaking at the first day of two-day workshop started at the University of Health Sciences (UHS) on Thursday. Pak One Health Alliance (POHA), in collaboration with UHS and Civilian Research and Development Foundation Global (CRDF-Global), organised the workshop. 

The experts emphasised that all out efforts should be ensured so that best practices and standard operating procedures were in place for prevention of accidental or unintentional exposures or releases of pathogens and toxins so as to protect workers including researchers, public, animals and the environment from any harm.

UHS Professor Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Junaid Sarfraz Khan, inaugurating the workshop, said scientists involved in bio-medical sciences shouldered larger responsibilities and needed to abide by a voluntary code of conduct of research, based on the recognised ethical principles and values and should comply with the requirements of international conventions and treaties relevant to their research work. 

Pak One Health Alliance CEO Dr SM Mursalin said bio-risk management approach comprised bio-safety, laboratory bio-security and ethical responsibility by reducing the risk of unintentional exposure to pathogens and toxins or their accidental release; reducing the risk of unauthorized access, loss, theft, misuse, diversion or intentional release of microorganisms; and those suitable measures have been adopted and effectively implemented. He added it was important that a framework for continuous awareness raising for bio-safety, laboratory bio-security and ethical code of conduct, and training was provided. Brig Dr Aamer Ikram, Dr Saqib Mahmood, Prof Dr Nadeem Afzal, Dr Amjad Khan and Dr Asad Zaheer spoke on the occasion. The workshop would suggest a set of recommendations for government and host institutions to promote bio-risk management in the country.