KARACHI, Dec 28: A multi-donor sponsored high-tech laboratory for diagnosis of childhood cancers and congenital malformations will become operational at the National Institute of Child Health in the next three months. Speakers from among the donors and the public sector institutes at a presentation ceremony on Thursday said the laboratory, Cytogenetic Laboratory, is the first facility of its kind in the public sector and would go a long way in early detection of severe diseases in children belonging to poor families.

The Director NICH, Professor Afroze Ramzan, said the partners in the project were from Association of Pakistani Physicians of North America (Appna), Child Aid Association, NICH and the Department of Cytogenetics, Texas Children Hospital besides local donors and dignitaries. The project will offer better diagnosis for complicated or severe cancer problems and other diseases in children.

President Child Aid Association (CAA) Prof Nizamul Hassan, said the cytogenetic laboratory at NICH was becoming a reality due to support from Appna.

President Appna Dr A R Piracha, hoped the lab would serve as a trainng place in cytogenetics. Dr Nadeem Zafar, an Appna member, informed the gathering how funds were raised for the project.

He said another $10,000 was likely from the Rotary Foundation. Dr Shama Munim of AKU spoke on “role of cytogenetics in antenatal practices.” Dr Khalid Mahmood of NICH highlighted the role of cytogenetics in paediatrics.