Yasmin approves setting up of Punjab Thalassemia Research Institute

LAHORE : Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid approved the setting up of Punjab Thalassemia and other Genetic Disorders Prevention and Research Institute during the Syndicate Meeting of the Fatima Jinnah Medical University here on Saturday.

Additional Secretary Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Dr Asif Tufail, Vice Chancellor Prof Amir Zaman Khan, Dr Shirin, Registrar and other syndicate members were present on the occasion. Registrar Fatima Jinnah Medical University presented the agenda items.

The legal issues pertaining to appointment of Contract and Ad hoc employees came under discussion and selection board was approved for interviews of assistant programmers.

The Health Minister said, "The Punjab Thalassemia and Other Genetic Disorders Prevention and Research Institute is being set up in accordance with the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar. There was dire need to set up an exclusive institute for Thalassemia patients and Punjab Thalassemia and Prevention Project envisions to support these children.

The genetic testing facility is available in Punjab. Many lives can be saved by properly planned interventions.

Research would also be initiated at the institute. Punjab Thalassemia Prevention Project is the largest program in the world.

Punjab has the prenatal diagnostic facility. Through this project Genetic Counselling and Carrier Screening is undertaken.

Hundreds of thousands of children suffer from genetic disorders in Punjab. Trainings on the latest modules shall be ensured. The government is making efforts for treatment of mental illnesses besides Thalassemia."