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Srimanta Sankaradeva University of Health Sciences |
Guwahati, Feb. 24: The Srimanta Sankaradeva University of Health Sciences is rejoicing the submission of 28 research proposals, which academicians hope, is the mark of a changing trend among doctors who are leaning back to research from their dual pre-occupations of treatment and teaching.
What has added to the joy is that most of the topics deal with ethnic medicinal questions like, can antidotes to HIV and cancer be found in the Northeast’s medicinal gardens?
Or, does the high prevalence of hypertension among Assam’s ministers have its roots in the state’s demography?
The vice-chancellor of the university, Umesh Chandra Sarma, told The Telegraph today that the institution, for the first time, has received 28 research projects proposals from senior faculty members of the medical colleges across the state.
In the past few years, doctors in Assam have been reluctant to delve in research projects and have been pre-occupied with treatment and teaching, he said.
The trend is a matter of grave concern and the university has held several rounds of deliberations on the issue.
“Research in the field of healthcare is very important for the future generation as it could give an insight and relevant study materials for various health challenges. The university is extremely happy to receive as many as 28 research projects that too on local health issues. The total amount estimated for the projects is more Rs 4 crore,” the vice-chancellor said.
In a state like Assam, which has a huge diversity in its demographic pattern, there should be in-depth research on the health problems prevalent among the local communities, he said.
“For example, the causes and prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, cancer and cardiac ailments may vary among the state’s communities and those living in other parts of the country and abroad. The university has given a serious thought to the issue and found that research is the only solution to find the answers,” Sarma said.
The university has received research proposals on the use of medicinal plants for anti-cancer and anti-HIV properties based on the ethno-medicinal practice of the people of Assam and the role of herbal medicines in jaundice.
Anaemia among adolescent girls in Guwahati, causes of facial deformities among large number of children in Assam, prevalence of acute Hepatitis A in adults and the need for vaccination are some of the other interesting proposals.
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