National genomic policy in the works

Move aimed at preventing inherited and chronic diseases

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ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan has taken a historic step towards formulating a National Genomic Policy aimed at disease prevention and strengthening health security.

The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (MNHSR&C), in collaboration with the Health Services Academy (HSA), convened a high-level stakeholders' consultative meeting on the National Genomic Policy of Pakistan. The session brought together leading national and international experts in genomics, genetics, molecular biology, public health, and health policy from Pakistan and abroad.

Distinguished experts from Aga Khan University, Quaid-i-Azam University, CEMB Lahore, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, participated in the consultation and unanimously described the proposed policy as a landmark initiative for Pakistan's healthcare future.

Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal emphasised that Pakistan must shift from a disease-treatment model to a prevention-focused healthcare system. He highlighted the importance of genomics, early screening, and precision medicine in reducing the burden of inherited and preventable diseases and in strengthening national health security.

Presenting the national fact sheet, Professor Tariq Mahmood Ali, Registrar of the Health Services Academy, noted that Pakistan faces a significant yet largely under-recognised burden of genomic diseases. He stated that 60–70% of marriages in Pakistan are consanguineous, increasing the risk of recessive genetic disorders by up to 18 times.

He further reported that Pakistan has more than 10 million thalassaemia carriers, with 7,000–10,000 new cases annually, and an estimated 50,000–100,000 patients currently living with the disease. He added that genomic and inherited disorders cost the country approximately PKR 200–300 billion annually, with projections reaching PKR 1 trillion per year by 2050 if no preventive action is taken.

Professor Shahid Mahmood Baig, Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences at HSA, presented the draft National Genomic Policy and outlined a roadmap for establishing a National Public Health Genomics Programme, genomic surveillance systems, workforce development, local diagnostic capacity, and preventive screening initiatives.