STAFF REPORT KHI: National and international scientists at a recently held symposium have said that there is a dire need to have more research on medicinal plants as various fatal diseases can be avoided by developing effective drugs by plants.
The 4-day 13th International symposium on Natural Product Chemistry was held at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), Karachi University (KU).
English scientist Patrick G. Steel, Dr. Banasri Hazra of India, N. Waksman of Mexico, Christophe Wiart of Malaysia and former HEC Chairman Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman addressed the participants. Over 600 national and foreign scientists and researchers from 40 countries have participated in it.
The event programme included 10 plenary lectures, 23 invited presentations and some 60 session lectures. Along with this over 100 posters have also been presented by the young scholars.
“The field of natural product chemistry needs more attention and progress in third world countries. Discoveries of more medicinal plants will boost up the pace of research in this region. The south countries are required to use positively their natural resources for obtaining the required growth and advancement,” the experts said.
Meanwhile, Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman and Director ICCBS Prof. Dr Iqbal Choudhary distributed the certificates among the participants and position holders of the poster competition.