Pakistan has taken a significant step toward developing its first National Genomics Policy. Health experts believe the initiative could transform the country’s healthcare system by shifting focus from treatment to prevention.
Move Toward Preventive Healthcare System
The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, in collaboration with the Health Services Academy, held a high-level consultative meeting on the proposed policy. The session brought together experts in genomics, genetics, molecular biology, public health, and health policy.
Federal Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal emphasized the need for a shift in healthcare strategy. He stated that Pakistan must move away from a disease-treatment model and adopt a prevention-focused approach.
He further highlighted that genomics, early screening, and precision medicine can significantly reduce inherited and preventable diseases. In addition, these approaches can strengthen national health security over time.
Rising Burden of Genetic Disorders in Pakistan
During the meeting, Health Services Academy Registrar Prof. Dr. Tariq Mahmood Ali presented data on the growing burden of genomic diseases in Pakistan.
According to the report, 60 to 70 percent of marriages in the country are consanguineous. This increases the risk of recessive genetic disorders by up to 18 times.
Pakistan also has more than 10 million thalassemia carriers. Each year, the country reports between 7,000 and 10,000 new thalassemia cases. Additionally, an estimated 50,000 to 100,000 patients are currently living with the disease.
He further noted that genomic and inherited diseases cost Pakistan between Rs. 200 billion and Rs. 300 billion annually. Without intervention, this burden could rise to Rs. 1 trillion per year by 2050.
Draft Policy and National Genomics Program
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 genomic surveillance systems, workforce training, local diagnostic facilities, preventive screening initiatives, and expanded access to genomic services across Pakistan.
He emphasized that genomics represents a high-return public health investment. Preventive screening, he explained, can generate a 10 to 50 times return on investment.
He also noted that thalassemia prevention programs could reduce affected births by 60 to 90 percent.
Expert Support and Future Outlook
Health experts welcomed the government’s initiative, calling it a landmark development for Pakistan’s healthcare future. They stressed that effective implementation could reduce the national disease burden and save billions in healthcare costs.
Moreover, they said the policy could strengthen health security and align Pakistan with countries adopting modern precision healthcare systems.
Conclusion
The consultative meeting concluded with recommendations to strengthen genomic governance, expand research, improve screening systems, and ensure equitable access to genomic services nationwide. The proposed policy marks an important step toward modernizing Pakistan’s healthcare framework.
