Pakistan has inaugurated its first-ever genetic molecular laboratory, a collaborative effort with the Association of Pakistani Physicians of North America (APPNA), a U.S.-based organization of Pakistani doctors.
The new lab, situated at Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU), will focus on diagnosing physical and mental disabilities in premature infants and identifying genetic disorders in children and adults.
The launch event was attended by prominent figures, including APPNA President Dr. Asif Mohiuddin, General Secretary Dr. Rizwan Naeem, Vice Chancellor of JSMU Prof. Amjad Siraj Memon, and Vice Chancellor of Dow University Prof. Dr. Saeed Qureshi, and held at the Karachi Press Club.
Dr. Mohiuddin highlighted the lab’s role in diagnosing genetic disorders and health conditions in newborns, especially premature babies. He described the facility as a significant milestone in modernizing medical diagnostics in Pakistan, emphasizing its potential to predict future health issues.
Prof. Memon added that the laboratory is equipped with cutting-edge technology, enabling early detection of genetic defects. The lab can determine a child’s genetic makeup and even identify their gender by extracting fluid from the mother’s womb, making it a valuable resource for early medical intervention.
