KARACHI, Sept 28: The vice-chancellor of Karachi University, Prof Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, has said that the department of microbiology would be expanded with construction of more rooms and improvement would be brought in existing laboratories, lecture rooms and library of the department.

He was speaking as chief guest at the inaugural session of the annual scientific symposium on "Microbiology in health, environment and industry", organized by Microbiology Department of Karachi University at arts auditorium.

The vice-chancellor said that the faculty of pharmacy would be shifted from the existing building to somewhere else in the varsity. He also announced donation of Rs25,000 for the symposium committee and assured that all needs of the department would soon be fulfilled.

Praising the efforts of microbiology teachers, he said that the department was rendering remarkable services. "The most important task is creating awareness about diseases and training of students and both issues are being taken well by the department. But, there is still room for improvement," he said.

He asked the microbiologists to enhance their knowledge and play effective role in improving health status of community. Dr Abdul Hameed Chagla, in his presentation on "Emerging microbiology infections: A threat for the future", said that the world at present was facing many problems, including emergence of newer pathogens, resurgence of old diseases and increase in antibiotic resistance.

He said: "Lack of public awareness in recognizing infectious agents, use of molecular techniques for disease surveillance, increase rate in global migrants, erosion of natural habitats, global abuse of antibiotic, changes in social behaviours and behavioural pattern are the major contributing factors to microbiology infections," he added.

He suggested that prompt detection and investigation with monitoring should be made of every emerging pathogens about diseases. Besides, infrastructure should be strengthened and all stakeholders should participate actively to achieve these goals, he added.

Prof Essa Abdullah stressed upon microbiology students to fully concentrate on their studies and utilize their skills to benefit local community, as a microbiologist had important role in health system of every country.

He also discussed present status of different bacterial and viral diseases, including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C. Dr Ashraf Sadiq of the Ojha Institute of Chest Disease delivered his presentation on "Tuberculosis and microbiology" and said that TB was never controlled in Pakistan rather it was ignored.

He said that th Multiple Drug Resistant (MDR) was on the increase in the country and bad treatment practices also contributed in the burden. He said: "Microbiologist play most important role in many tests for detecting TB bacteria in sputum of patient and if he missed it, tuberculosis cannot be diagnosed."

Earlier, Chairperson Department of Microbiology Dr. Shahana Urooj Kazmi in her speech had highlighted needs of department and urged the vice-chancellor to address issues including construction of rooms, student lounge, laboratories and auditorium.

At the end, Prof Pirzada Qasim distributed Mrs Jajra Billo Microbiology Excellence Award to 22 position holder students in various disciplines. -PPI