Central University of Punjab organized a Seminar cum Awareness Session on Pediatric Rare Genetic Disorders
Parents of Pediatric Rare Genetic Disorders affected children assembled at CUPB to learn about latest medical advancements and take expert guidance
Bathinda : The Central University of Punjab, under the patronage of Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, successfully conducted a Seminar cum Awareness Session on Pediatric Rare Genetic Disorders (PRaGeD), aimed at fostering knowledge and understanding of these intricate medical conditions. The central goal of the seminar was to enlighten the academic community, medical practitioners, and the general public about the pediatric rare genetic disorders. During this programme distinguished guest speakers including Dr. Prashant Chhabra, Pediatric Hemato-Oncologist, AIIMS Bathinda, and Dr. Pamil Bansal, SMO, CHC Sangat, shared their insights. Notable personalities like Dr. Inderjit Khurana, Pediatrician, SDH Hospital, Ghudda and Smt. Seema Rani, Sarpanch, Village Ghudda graced the programme as Guest of Honour,
Parents of Pediatric Rare Genetic Disorders affected children from Bathinda Region assembled at CUPB to learn about latest medical advancements and take expert guidance.
In her welcome address, Prof. Anjana Munshi, Director Research and Development and Project InCharge for PRaGeD, highlighted that CU Punjab is the one of 18 centres across India working under the Government of India’s Mission Programme on Pediatric Rare Genetic Disorders. The program aimed to provide aid to affected families with expert guidance and advanced testing facilities.
Dr. Prashant Chhabra, in his interaction with participants, revealed that approximately 35 crore people across the world are affected by Pediatric Rare Genetic Disorders, out of which 9 crore people are from India. He underlined that, although there are 7000-8000 rare diseases, but less than 5% have therapies available to treat them. He emphasized on the significance of early diagnosis in disease management, and importance of intervention techniques to reduce the likelihood of passing on such diseases to the next generation.
Dr. Inderjit Khurana discussed about genetic mechanisms of rare disorders and the importance of accurate diagnosis for effective management and intervention.
Dr. Pamil Bansal emphasized the pivotal role of a healthy environment and diet in mitigating the threat of rare diseases. She urged farmers to refrain from using pesticides or chemicals on their lands, as these substances can indirectly impact the food chain and human health.
In his presidential address, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, asserted that children with PRaGeD are the gift of nature, and this is humane society’s responsibility to provide good care to them. He stressed that research for social welfare can only be possible when the ‘Land-to-Lab’ Model is adopted, and researchers should conduct research focusing on problems of society. He expressed hope that such Initiatives would facilitate collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and families, ultimately improving the lives of these special children.
On this occasion, Prof. R.K. Wusirika, Dean Incharge Academics, mentioned that this Seminar marked a significant stride in promoting awareness of these intricate medical conditions. He expressed gratitude towards invited speakers and parents for making this programme a success.
After the deliberations by guest speakers, parents got an opportunity to discuss their queries with medical experts and get their child examined during the special OPD Session.