KARACHI (APP) - Sindh Minister for Health, Dr. Sagheer Ahmed on Sunday said the clinical research has become a major industry where bio-pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, universities, institutions and research centres are actively vying each other for the ultimate cure of panoply of disease. He was addressing at the seminar on Future Prospects of Clinical Research in Pakistan at Bahria University here, said a statement issued here. He said that extending lives is essentially the primary motive where million of dollars are being spent annually and it is estimated that global market for pharmaceutical will reach US dollars one trillion by 2013. Dr. Sagheer said the tide of clinical research is now spreading beyond the geographical boundaries of the major economic powers, US, EU and Japan and it is now hitting the shores of Pakistan. He said Pakistan has all the prerequisites of becoming the next research hub of the South Asia region, however the need of the hour is that we produce sufficient numbers of trained and qualified Clinical Research Professionals who adhere to international conventions such as Good Clinical Practices (GCP). He observed that clinical Research Professionals currently have strong job security, because demand exceeds supply. In times of Economic Recession Clinical Research offers the most secure jobs globally. He stressed for starting a programme in clinical research as this phase is critical in terms of producing qualified and certified professionals who will bring laurels to the country from within Pakistan and abroad. Provincial Minister for Health also appreciated the efforts of the organisers for holding such seminar and training course. He also lauded the overall contribution of Bahria University in the education sector.