KARACHI, December 24 2024: Professor Muhammad Saeed Quraishy, Vice-Chancellor of Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), has called for a nationwide understanding of the severe consequences of consanguineous marriages, emphasizing the need for media and societal engagement. Speaking at the APPNA Winter Meeting 2024 in Karachi, Professor Quraishy highlighted that Pakistan has one of the highest rates of cousin marriages globally, at approximately 70%, contributing significantly to genetic disorders in the population.
The event, themed “Genetics Today and Tomorrow,” was moderated by Assistant Professor of Clinical Genetics at DUHS, Dr. Misbah Hanif, and featured discussions by leading experts, including Dr. Rizwan Naeem, Professor of Pathology from the USA, and Genetic Counselor Myla Ashfaq from Texas.
Professor Quraishy underscored the alarming reality that one in every three children in Pakistan suffers from a genetic disorder, making it a critical public health concern. He noted DUHS’s pioneering role as the first medical university in Pakistan to introduce genetics into the MBBS curriculum, aiming to prepare future doctors to address this challenge effectively.
Key Highlights from the Event:
- Genetic Disorders in Pakistan:
- Myla Ashfaq, a certified genetic counselor, shared cases illustrating the devastating impact of cousin marriages, including a child with microcephaly.
- She emphasized the prevalence of thalassemia, noting that 8% of Pakistanis are beta-thalassemia carriers, with over 4,000 new affected births annually.
- Call for Genetic Clinics and Counseling:
- Dr. Ashfaq stressed the importance of genetic diagnosis and counseling at various life stages to mitigate the risk of genetic disorders.
- The integration of genetic clinics and testing into Pakistan’s healthcare system was highlighted as a crucial step forward.
- Advancing Genetic Education and Expertise:
- Dr. Rizwan Naeem outlined the urgent need for more genetic specialists in Pakistan, noting the country’s severe shortage, with only one clinical geneticist at Dow University.
- He praised DUHS’s initiative to incorporate clinical genetics into the MBBS curriculum, providing doctors with essential tools to identify and manage genetic disorders.
Honoring Achievements:
The APPNA Winter Meeting also celebrated academic excellence, with students receiving awards for research and presentations. Dow Medical College student Javeria Khan was awarded a $1,000 USMLE fee scholarship, while Yusra Mashkoor won a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 for the Most Publications Award.
Future Vision:
Addressing the closing session, APPNA President Dr. Asif Mohiuddin reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting Pakistani medical students in their academic and professional journeys abroad, providing guidance on pathways to international medical careers.
The event concluded with APPNA honoring organizers and participants, recognizing their efforts in addressing the urgent need for genetic awareness and education in Pakistan.
This revised narrative emphasizes the critical message of the event while showcasing its broader impact on education, public health, and professional collaboration.
