 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Sept 25: A Genetic Counselling cum Awareness Camp on Thalassemia and Rare Genetic Diseases was organized at the Genetic Laboratory and Thalassemia Unit of SMGS Hospital, GMC Jammu in collaboration with University of Jammu, on 25-09-2026 with the objective of strengthening awareness regarding genetic counselling, early identification and appropriate laboratory evaluation of individuals and families affected by thalassemia and rare genetic disorders under Mission Programme in Pediatrics Rare Diseases, research project funded by DBT, GoI New Delhi.
The programme was jointly organized by the Department of Pediatrics, GMC Jammu, Department of Zoology, University of Jammu, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Jammu, J&K Thalassemia Welfare Society and IAP City Branch Jammu.
The camp was inaugurated by Dr. (Prof) Ashutosh Gupta, Principal and Dean, GMC Jammu. He appreciated the initiative and highlighted the importance of strengthening awareness and genetic counselling for thalassemia and rare genetic diseases. Er. Deep Raj Kanethia (JKAS), Administrator, Associated Hospital, GMC Jammu and Dr. Neha Sharma (JKAS), Administrative Officer, GMC Jammu, Dr. Dara Singh, Medical Superintendent, SMGS, Hospital as special guests also praised the joint initiative taken by GMC, Jammu and University of Jammu to aware the masses about the genetic diseases.
The camp brought together healthcare professionals, geneticists, laboratory personnel, students, and families affected by thalassemia and other inherited disorders.
In this camp, 35 families were screened and 70 samples were obtained.
Dr.(Prof) Sanjeev K Digra, Prof and HOD, Department of Pediatrics GMC Jammu and Dr Parvinder Kumar Associate Professor, Department of Zoology & Human Genetics, University of Jammu sensitised the gathering regarding important of genetic testing and counselling for management and prevention of Thalassemia and also conducted the counselling session.
The programme also focused on improving understanding among families regarding the hereditary nature of thalassemia and rare genetic diseases, the importance of carrier detection, genetic testing, reproductive counselling and appropriate follow up. Direct interaction with affected families enabled healthcare professionals to address their concerns and provide information relevant to diagnosis, inheritance and future family planning. The organizers emphasized the importance of establishing a coordinated approach involving clinical care, genetic counselling, laboratory diagnosis, family screening and community awareness for improving the long-term management and prevention of inherited disorders.
The camp was conducted under the guidance and participation of Dr. (Prof) Sanjeev K. Digra, Prof and HOD Dept of Pediatrics, GMC Jammu and Co- Principal Investigator, Mission Programme in Pediatrics Rare Diseases, Dr. Mohd. Razaq, and Dr. Anuj Bhatti, Dr. Ravi Parihar, Associate Prof, Department of Pediatrics, GMC Jammu, Dr. Sanjana Sharma, Associate Prof , Department of Pediatrics, GMC Jammu, Dr. Pooja Bharti , Assistant Prof, Department of Pediatrics, GMC Jammu, Dr. Ritu, Medical Officer, Department of Pediatrics, GMC Jammu, Prof. Seema Langer, HOD , Department of Zoology, Prof. B. K. Bajaj Coordinator, Institute of Human Genetics, Dr. Parvinder Kumar, Associate Prof, Dept of Zoology, Deputy Coordinator Institute of Human Genetics and Principal Investigator, Mission Programme in Pediatrics Rare Diseases, Dr. Md. Younis, Project Associate, Rare Genetic Diseases, Dr. Shikha Bharti Project Associate , Rare Genetic Diseases and Research scholars Indu Bharti, Surbhi Pathania and Kulbir Singh, Ekta Jamwal and Sunderjot Kour. Paramedical and supporting staff Sister Madhu, Sister Malti, Sister Harpreet, Sister Shabnam, Muzamil |
