KARACHI, March 31: Experts have underscored the need for developing latest diagnostic techniques for proper and early detection of common blood disorders.

Speaking at the first students symposium on blood and related disorders, organized by the Physiology Department of Dow University of Health Sciences, they reminded that genetic abnormalities which account for most of the blood cancers is required to be identified without any unnecessary delay.

" There is a particular urgency to pursue this area of genetic research both at the clinical and basic science levels," experts including Dr Tahir Shamsi, Dr Buland Iqbal Siddiqi. Dr Shoaib Tauheed and Vice Chancellor, DUHS, Prof Masood Hammed told the students from medical colleges scattered across the city.

They observed that the students must indulge themselves in research to discover these hidden genetic transformations which lead the normal cells to transform into malignant clones.

Stressing the need to develop a strong and pragmatic culture of research in the country, the speakers said that medical scientists must involve students to develop novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatments, in a manner that may prove to be least harmful for normal cells of the body.

The Symposium was inaugurated by Vice Chancellor of Dow University of Health Sciences, Prof. Masood Hameed Khan. Two scientific sessions with provision for 15 papers each were exclusively arranged for the students of Dow and Sindh Medical College.

Topics discussed in detail included Thalassemia, Leukemia, Anemia, Safe Transfusion and Proper Vaccination. In his welcome address Prof Shoaib Tauheed, Head of the Physiology department and Chairman Organising Committee said the local medical students, who happen to be the best in their respective age group can also compete with the students of any part of the world

" The symposium was also an orientation exercise for the students, providing an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the environment of world level congress and seminars," he said adding that this is besides learning as how to get themselves registered for international events.

Prof Masood Hameed appreciated the efforts of the organising committee in providing the students a forum to present their work. Dr Tahir Shamsi talked about normal and abnormal blood cell proliferation, safe blood transfusion, treatments of different forms of anemia and bone marrow transplantations.

Dr Buland Iqbal Siddiqui, coordinator organising committee in his paper referred to high incidence of blood cancers among almost all age groups which enhances urgency for research and effective intervention on part of local medical experts. -APP