National workshop/CME on alternatives to animal experimentation in medical science education.

Altex 31, 3/14 369 Inauguration Prof. Shahjahan Bano (Dean, Faculty of Medicine, JNMC, AMU), in her introductory remarks, said that the workshop would help students to improve their skills in teaching and research by using simulators and software and without harming animals. Prof. Tariq Mansoor (Principal and Chief Medical Superintendent, JNMC) reminded listeners of their moral obligation to care for animals and to avoid causing pain and distress to them. Dr Chaitanya Koduri (Science Policy Advisor, PeTA India) lauded JNMC’s efforts regarding non-animal methods in teaching and learning which fulfil the legal obligation to protect animals as prescribed in the Constitution of India. Dr Syed Z. Rahman (Organizing Secretary) said that the main objective of organizing the workshop was to provide participants with an opportunity to explore the expanding possibilities of alternatives to animal experimentation, to train and instill confidence in them for use of alternatives and to encourage them to adopt these alternatives in teaching and training. A souvenir-cum-scientific proceedings (edited by Dr Umme Aiman) was released on this occasion (Rahman, 2014).