Prof. Dr. Khalid Masud Gondal, Vice Chancellor, FJMU visits the Head Office of the Punjab Thalassaemia and Other Genetic Disorders Prevention and Research Institute (PTGD)
Prof. Dr. Khalid Masud Gondal, Vice Chancellor, FJMU and Prof. Dr. Shamsa Humayun, Vice Chancellor, FJMU visited the Head Office of the Punjab Thalassaemia and other Genetic Disorders Prevention and Research Institute (PTGD). Prof. Gondal was welcomed by the PTGD staff and presented a bouquet of flowers. Dr. Hussain Jafri, Director General, PTGD presented on PTGD and its services across the province of Punjab. The institute is working towards prevention of Thalassaemia major and other genetic conditions in the province by providing comprehensive screening and prevention services including extended family screening, genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis, pre-marital screening, awareness, research and training free of cost to people in all the 36 of Punjab. Dr. Jafri also thanked the Vice Chancellor for his all-out support to the institute.
Prof. Gondal also visited the PTGD DNA & Haematology labs, offices and other facilities available at the head office. The Vice Chancellor said that it is heartening to see the excellent screening and prevention services being provided by PTGD all over Punjab. He further said that PTGD is the largest prevention program in the world providing screening and prevention services for Thalassaemia totally free of cost. Moreover, PTGD services are being expanded to provide screening and prevention services for other genetic conditions as well and in this regard state of the art molecular and cytogenetics labs are also being established where highly specialized tests such as sanger sequencing, whole exome sequencing, whole genome sequencing, next generation sequencing and latest cytogenetic testing will also be available. Furthermore, Prof. Gondal appreciated the PTGD management and team for running a world class prevention program and promised to continue providing all the required support to the institute.
