National Seminar on Genetic Disorders held at KMU

Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar, in collaboration with Dosti Welfare Organization and National Commission for Human Development, organized the third National Seminar on Genetic Disorders in which prominent genetic research and health experts of the country, health care professionals, VC KMU Prof Dr. Zia Ul Haq, Registrar KMU Inam Ullah Khan Wazir, faculty members and large number of students participated.

The seminar began with an insightful opening address by Dr. Inayat Shah, the Director KMU Institute of Basic Medical Sciences (IBMS). He highlighted the important role played by institutions like KMU in advancing the progress of genetic research, which has set many milestones in scientific research and public health efforts.

Irfan Khan, Health Coordinator of Dosti Welfare Organization gave an introductory message emphasizing the importance of prevention of genetic diseases and promotion of health care initiatives. Dosti Welfare Organization has been playing a key role in promoting awareness and access to healthcare in the region.

Prof. Dr. Shahtaj Khan, Head, Department of Pathology, Rehman Medical Institute, shed light on the complications of hemophilia, an inherited genetic disorder that inhibits the body's ability to form blood clots effectively. With the touch of an expert, she explores the causes, symptoms, and the latest advances in understanding and treating the condition. The presentation highlighted the challenges faced by patients and innovative solutions in medical science.

Dr. Musharraf Jelani, the Director of the Centre for Omic Sciences at Islamia College University Peshawar, addressed a topic of paramount importance in the world of genetic research. His presentation delved into the powerful technique known as 'whole exome sequencing,' which is revolutionizing the diagnosis of a wide spectrum of genetic diseases. Dr. Jelani likely highlighted its numerous applications, the advantages it offers over traditional diagnostic methods, and its pivotal role in furthering our comprehension of genetic disorders.

Dr. Yasir Mehmood Yousafzai Director PHRL KMU highlighted the scope of genetic testing focusing on his diagnosis of thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder. Through the lens of Sanger sequencing, he describes the sophisticated methods used to identify the specific genetic mutations responsible for the condition and the early detection of thalassemia.

Dr Muhammad Zakaria, in-charge of the AGCT Public Health Reference Lab KMU also unveiled the practical deployment of Sanger sequencing to identify mutations associated with rare genetic disorders.

Dr. Arsalan Hassan, a lecturer at the Pharmacy Department of the University of Peshawar, discussed the burgeoning field of polygenic risk scores. These scores involve the assessment of multiple genetic factors to gauge an individual's susceptibility to various diseases. Dr. Hassan likely illuminated the current applications of these scores in clinical practice and the promising future they hold in shaping personalized healthcare. This presentation would have undoubtedly broadened horizons on the intersection of genetics and clinical care. In the meanwhile  vice Chancellor of FATA University Kohat Prof  Dr. Jahanzeb Khan  highlighted the important impact of the seminar on genetic research and health care.

Finally, vice chancellor KMU  Prof. Dr. Zia ul Haq while addressing the event said that hereditary disorders affect a significant portion of Pakistan's population which urgently needs to be tackled. We have witnessed the promise of a bright future in the realm of knowledge, wealth, shared labor, insightful conversation, and reproductive health. He said that the prevalence of hereditary disorders affects a significant part of the Pakistani population. Here, the medical institutions based on the hard work and dedication of all of us will continue to promote strong determination for the prevention of hereditary disorders and this speed and scientific discovery and will continue to push the boundaries of public health efforts. Finally, VC KMU Professor Dr. Ziaul Haque congratulated Dr. Inayat Shah for organizing the seminar, and Muhammad Irfan and other initiators for organizing the National Seminar on Genetic Disorders and presented honorary shields.