UHS physiology department head Professor Muhammad Arslan said that we needed to start systematic studies in regional epidemionology of diseases. Currently, no separate department of environmental health existed in any organisation in the country. The UHS wants to have an initiative and start research project in that field, he said.
Dr Rives said that the Pakistani physicians were of very high quality. 'What you only need is the resources, not the brains', he added. He admitted that the UHS evaluation system is more reliable and effective than the University of Texas. He also assured the UHS students that the bio-statistical department of the University of Texas would help them publishing their research articles in various international journal.
Earlier, there was a brainstorming session, to explore the areas of co-operation between the two universities. UHS Board of Governor's Chairman, Professor Mahmood Ahmad Chaudhry said that the UHS was not anxious of seeking any financial assistance from University of Texas but was desirous of having the US expertise available for a short period. He further said that the UHS could benefit from the expertise of University of Texas in three areas including adoption of management systems, fortification of existing departments and establishment of new departments. Moreover, Dr Rives also visited Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, one of UHS affiliated institutes and took a round of various wards and departments of Jinnah Hospital.