Punjab Health Minister Dr. Yasmin Rashid said here on Wednesday that a number of genetic disorders can be diagnosed before delivery and the world is fast evolving technology for prenatal diagnosis.
In her lecture on Fetal Medicine at the Punjab Thalassemia and Genetic Disorders Research Institute, the Minister said that a number of treatment options in the mother’s womb are possible. Present in the event were Vice Chancellor Fatima Jinnah Medical University Prof. Dr. Aamir Zaman Khan, Director General Punjab Thalassemia and Genetic Disorders Prevention and Research Institute Dr. Hussain Jaffery and Dr. Yasmin Ehsan.
The Health Minister said, “In Pakistan, it is now possible to treat a number of disorders and ailments in the mother’s womb. Our doctors were aware of the latest developments about the treatment of a baby. It is very much possible to diagnose genetic and other diseases of children in the mother’s womb. In April, international experts will provide training on Fetal medicine to local doctors. Fetal Medicine was started in Pakistan in 1994 through the Thalassemia Program. The Punjab Thalassemia and Genetic Disorders Prevention and Research Institute is providing Fetal medicine facility for prenatal diagnosis across Punjab. Training sessions are being organized for teachers of medical institutions in Punjab. Teaching faculty has a responsibility to impart modern training to doctors. The pen of a teacher is likened to the blood of a martyr. Ten mother and child hospitals are being set up in Punjab to ensure maternal and child health. For the first time, a regular Department of Fetal Medicine is being set up in the Ganga Ram Mother and Child Block. A doctor is referred to as a Messiah. A patient puts everything in the doctor’s lap in the hospital. Training sessions are being conducted for teaching faculty in the health department. Prime Minister Imran Khan in his first speech had emphasized mother and child health. Our focus is on development of mother and Child Hospitals in areas away from large urban centers. Punjab Health Department has made record promotions of teaching faculty for the first time in history.”
