Updated on Friday, October 16, 2009, 21:56 IST Tags:Telugu, Book

Hyderabad: World Medical Association, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) and Pfizer India today introduced "Speaking Book in Telugu for clinical trial participation" to increase awareness about clinical research.

It is the first 'Speaking Book' in any regional language in the country.

The book has a button that allows users to hear the text. It carries simple illustrations to explain the working of a clinical trial, a spokesperson for NIMS said.

The book can be used by patients, social workers and health workers involved in clinical trials.

The book was launched today by Dr.Dasari Prasada Rao, Director, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr M U R Naidu, Dean Faculty of Medicine & Professor and Head of Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, NIMS and Dr.Soeren Rasmussen, Senior Director, External Medical Affairs of Pfizer Inc.

The first-of-its-kind 'Speaking Book' has an audio component that corresponds to text and illustrations in the book. A simple button on the book begins a conversation on rights and responsibilities of patients with regard to their potential participation in a clinical trial.

About 5000 books have been printed and some of them are meant for free distribution on request.

Bureau Report