In countries where pharmacists publish actively, they are integral members of formulary and therapy decision committees – Umamih Muzzamil
Clinical Research Grant for Pharmacists by PharmEvo
By Mubarak Ali
KARACHI: Pharmacists like doctors and nurses are important members of the healthcare team but somehow, they have not yet achieved proper recognition in the healthcare set up for various reasons. PharmEvo Pharmaceuticals which is known as the pioneers in promoting and practicing ethical marketing has always come up with innovative initiatives for professional capacity building of healthcare professionals for the first time also decided to offer research grant to Pharmacists interested in research. The first such meeting was organized in Karachi on October 22nd 2025.
The winners of the first Pharmacists Clinical Research Grant by PharmEvo, Ms. Areeba, Ms. Hafsa Muhammad Ashfaq and Ms. Areeka and their Supervisors photographed with Syed Jamshed Ahmed, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, PharmEvo , Dr. Masood Jawaid, Mr. Muhammad Mansoor Khan, Ms. Umamih Muzzamil, Ms. Zanib Aqeel and other members of PharmEvo marketing team at the Pharmacists Clinical Research Grant Announcement Ceremony held in Karachi on October 22, 2025.
Speaking at Pharmacists Clinical Research Grant Announcement Ceremony Syed Jamshed Ahmed, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, PharmEvo (Pvt.) Ltd., stated that “Pharmacists are always close to my heart. We have not yet provided them with the environment they truly deserve. Young professionals should be offered a good culture, a supportive environment, and opportunities to learn through their professional journey. If given proper facilities and financial support, they will surely rise to expectations.”
Mr. Jamshed further shared that around 90% of PharmEvo’s staff—particularly in the marketing department—come from a pharmacy background, as this enables them to understand the mode of action, contraindications, and other aspects of medicines, thereby providing accurate scientific information to healthcare providers.
He emphasized that the Pharmacists Clinical Research Grant initiative is purely for pharmacists, encouraging all to take full advantage of the opportunity. “All research proposals are selected independently by a review board headed by Mr. Shaukat Ali Jawaid, Chief Editor, Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences in consultation with the members of Advisory Board who are all senior professionals in various disciplines.. PharmEvo has no role in the selection process,” he clarified. Highlighting the importance of the profession, he concluded, “Together, we can change the destiny of pharmacists. Deliver your best with whatever resources you have—your knowledge plays a vital role in the healthcare delivery system.”
Ms. Umamih Muzzamil, Senior General Manager, Medical Affairs, PharmEvo, in her speech discussed the critical role of research in advancing pharmacy practice. “When practice lacks research, insight is lost. Every pharmacist observes patterns that could improve care—but unless those observations are translated into data, they fade into silence,” she said.
She pointed out that Pakistan’s pharmacovigilance system receives very limited submissions, with no systematic local data on medication or prescribing errors. “Global evidence shows pharmacist-led interventions can reduce adverse drug events by 30–50%. Without pharmacist-driven studies, our treatment guidelines rely on Western data that may not reflect Pakistan’s realities,” she explained.
She stressed that research output directly correlates with professional recognition and influence. “In countries where pharmacists publish actively, they are integral members of formulary and therapy decision committees. Purpose for a pharmacist is found in evidence that changes lives,” she added.
Mr. Muhammad Mansoor Khan, Director Commercial, PharmEvo, highlighted various research-oriented initiatives of the company. “Since our inception, research orientation has been a core part of our marketing philosophy. These research grants are a continuation of that commitment. We plan to expand such activities across Pakistan and are also introducing the Shark Tank Pharmacy initiative to promote innovation and applied research in pharmacy,” he shared.
The winners of the first Pharmacists Clinical Research Grant—each receiving PKR 200,000—were Ms. Areeba (Tabba Hospital), Ms. Hafsa Muhammad Ashfaq (Dow International Medical College), and Ms. Areeka (NICVD).
