ISLAMABAD, March 17: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has earmarked an amount of Rs35 million to establish molecular biology (genetics) department at the Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro, Sindh.

The department would be capable of early and precise diagnosis of genetic disorders, infectious diseases and a tool of forensic pathology, said an official statement issued here.

It said there was a dearth of advanced diagnostic and research facilities especially in the field of molecular biology and viral diagnostics in the province of Sindh especially in interior districts.

Molecular biology is the latest and rapidly advancing field of science that has immense applications especially in precise diagnosis of infectious diseases through genetic analysis.

It also helps in identifying a deceased person or a criminal suspect, thus it is highly valuable in forensic pathology too. The project would facilitate research and advance studies on the role of genes in causation of disease and thus opening an avenue for establishment of medical genetic and engineering whereby many diseases could be treated and prevented before the birth of malformed and diseased babies and thus would contribute in reduction of infant and maternal mortality.

The project would also generate job opportunities contributing to poverty alleviation. The proposed facilities included in this project are either non-existent in the province of Sindh or available at a few private and costly centres in the provincial capital.

The availability of these facilities at no-profit or marginal profit basis to the poor populace of this province would be a great service to the people and a significant contribution to the national development.