Pakistan Moves Toward First National Genomics Policy to Tackle Inherited Diseases
Pakistan has taken an important step toward developing its first National Genomics Policy, aimed at improving healthcare by focusing on disease prevention and early detection of inherited conditions.
The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, in collaboration with the Health Services Academy, organized a high-level consultative meeting to discuss the proposed policy. Experts from genetics, genomics, molecular biology, public health, and healthcare policy participated in the discussion.
Federal Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal said Pakistan needs to shift from a treatment-based healthcare system toward a prevention-focused approach. He emphasized that genomics, early screening, and precision medicine can play a key role in reducing the burden of inherited and preventable diseases.
During the meeting, Health Services Academy Registrar Prof. Dr. Tariq Mahmood Ali presented data highlighting the impact of genetic disorders in the country. He noted that a large number of marriages in Pakistan are consanguineous, which increases the risk of inherited diseases. He also shared concerns about the rising number of thalassemia carriers and patients across the country.
According to the figures presented, millions of people are affected or at risk of genetic conditions, and the economic burden of these diseases is estimated to be in the hundreds of billions of rupees annually. Experts warned that without timely intervention, this burden could increase significantly in the coming decades.
Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmood Baig, Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences at the Health Services Academy, presented the draft National Genomic Policy. He also outlined plans for a National Public Health Genomics Program.
The proposed program includes the development of genomic surveillance systems, training of healthcare professionals, establishment of local diagnostic facilities, and expansion of preventive screening services across the country.
Experts said that investing in genomics and preventive healthcare could significantly reduce the number of new cases of inherited diseases, particularly thalassemia, and help improve overall public health outcomes.
They added that effective implementation of the policy could lower healthcare costs, improve disease prevention strategies, and strengthen Pakistan’s healthcare system.
The meeting concluded with recommendations to enhance genomic research, improve healthcare infrastructure, and ensure wider access to genetic screening services throughout the country.
