Appna to establish advanced medical facilities at two Karachi universities


IV Report

KARACHI: The Association of Physicians of Pakistani-Descent of North America (Appna) is set to establish two advanced medical facilities at Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) and Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) in Karachi, thanks to a substantial donation of US$300,000 (Pak Rs 81 million) it arranged. The donation will be used to establish a genetic molecular laboratory at JSMU and a department of artificial intelligence and emerging technology at DUHS.

Appna leaders, including President Dr Asif Mohiuddin and Secretary Dr Rizwan Naeem, shared details of the donation at a press conference on December 18. The Appna Board has approved $200,000 for the development of an advanced technology institute at DUHS. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed, and a plaque was unveiled at DUHS to mark the occasion.

According to DUHS, the university and Appna have begun coordinating to establish the Dow-Appna Centre for Emerging Technologies (DACET). This initiative aims to advance education and training in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies for medical and allied health sciences students. DUHS Vice-Chancellor Professor Muhammad Saeed Quraishy emphasised that DACET will serve as a beacon of knowledge and a training ground for equipping students with critical skills for the evolving landscape of medicine.

Additionally, Appna is supporting JSMU in launching an advanced molecular genomic laboratory for detecting genetic disorders in children. The new lab will be functional within weeks at JSMU's diagnostic facility. JSMU Vice Chancellor Prof Amjad Siraj Memon highlighted the importance of the lab, citing the growing population and significant number of children born with genetic abnormalities. The laboratory will offer cutting-edge blood tests capable of detecting chromosomal abnormalities and genetic issues as early as the sixth week of pregnancy.

Appna also held a seminar for young physicians at Liaquat University of Health Sciences, Jamshoro, on December 17.


 

With an uninterrupted 23-year career in daily journalism (1991-2013), the author/editor of this blog currently serves as Editor of Social Track, a weekly newspaper focused on social sectors, based in Karachi. Holding a master's degree in Mass Communications from the University of Karachi (1990), his professional experience includes roles as senior reporter at Daily Dawn, Karachi (May 2001-August 2013) and Chief Reporter at The News International, Karachi (April 1991-May 2001). He has a strong background in development journalism, he has an extensive portfolio of news stories, analytical reports and features covering a wide range of sectors. He has had the privilege of covering numerous high-profile figures, including Pakistani presidents, prime ministers, army chiefs, foreign dignitaries, and VVIPs and attending conferences and workshops abroad. He began his journalism career in the early 1980s. Throughout his career, he has received several national awards from government and private organisations. He has contributed to various radio and TV/channel broadcasts and has also served as a trainer at workshops in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, focused on training journalists.

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