KARACHI: The Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA) will support the Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) and the Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) in setting up a molecular genomic laboratory and an institute for AI and emerging technologies, respectively.

This information was shared at a briefing organised on Wednesday at the press club to highlight the association’s activities and programs in Pakistan.

“Given the growing population and the significant number of children born with genetic abnormalities, the genomic lab is an essential step forward,” said Vice Chancellor JSMU Prof Amjad Siraj Memon at the presser.

The initiative, worth $100,000, would offer cutting-edge blood tests capable of detecting chromosomal abnormalities and genetic issues as early as the sixth week of pregnancy. These tests can also identify sex determination issues, enabling timely diagnosis and intervention, he added.

“The lab’s machinery has already been procured and is expected to arrive in the coming weeks. The university is also in discussions with medical technologists and geneticists to join the project, with plans to send more professionals to the US for specialised training, funded by the university,” he explained in response to a question.

According to Prof Memon, all children presenting at the National Institute of Child Health and pregnant women at Jinnah Hospital’s gynecology wards would benefit from these services.

Speaking about the Dow-APPNA Institute of Emerging Technologies being set up at Dow University, APPNA President Dr Asif Mohiuddin, along with chairman Saeed Sabir, shared that the institute would empower future healthcare professionals with tools and knowledge to integrate AI and other emerging technologies into their practice, transforming patient care and outcomes nationwide.

“Under this collaboration, APPNA will provide $200,000 in funding to DUHS, facilitating the establishment of DACET with state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty, and advanced resources,” Dr Mohiuddin said.

In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Dow University Prof Muhammad Saeed Quraishy said that the partnership underscored the importance of innovation and collaboration in addressing global healthcare challenges.

“This will be the first AI and emerging technologies center at a public-sector medical university in Pakistan. It will help equip students with critical skills needed to meet the evolving landscape of medicine,” he said, adding that an MoU has been signed between APPNA and DUHS for the project.

Published in Dawn, December 19th, 2024