GNDU faculty bags major research project in Health Sciences

Amritsar, Sept. 15 (Punjab Post Bureau) – Dr. Rajbir Bhatti of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Dr. M.S. Bhatti of Botanical and Environmental Sciences of Guru Nanak Dev University received a major research funding of 30.69 lakhs for carrying out pre-clinical research on novel molecules in mitigating fibromyalgia. The research is supported by Health Sciences division of Department of Science & Technology-SERB, Govt. of India to work on plants based molecules (Coumarins) which, if found useful, can be supplemented with conventional drugs so as to reduce the side effects and lower the dose.

Prof. Jaspal Singh Sandhu, Vice-Chancellor applauded the investigators for working in this novel area as he himself is a renowned doctor and highly acclaimed scientist in the field of Sports Medicine & Physiotherapy. GNDU will achieve new heights under the dynamic leadership of Prof Sandhu as rich experience from University Grants Commission as a Secretary will help in improving the academic, research and cultural standards of the university.

Research project has one position of junior research fellow for a monthly stipend of Rs 25000 for 3 years duration. The research outcome will be societal in nature as fibromyalgia (muscular pain) is common phenomenon but least reported in India due to non availability of epidemiological data.

According to the 2016 report of the WHO, musculoskeletal disorders comprise a significant volume of the ailments affecting the life expectancy of people worldwide. Among these disorders, fibromyalgia is estimated to affect 2–8% of the population. Females are affected about twice as often as males. More than 10 million cases are observed every year in India alone with a slight predominance in women. It is usually associated with other symptoms like severe pain at tender points, joint stiffness, fatigue, non- restorative sleep and cognitive impairment with mood disorders.