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Journalism of Courage
AMRITSAR, Dec 4: A galaxy of distinguished international genetic scientists on the concluding day of the fourth international symposium on genetics, health and disease have unanimously adopted a ten-point programme to be known as the Amritsar Declaration.
The declaration said there was a great potential for undertaking research in human genetics in India. This must run parallel with the establishment of more centres for genetic counselling.
The geneticists noted that more diagnostic centres for genetic diseases need to be opened and staffed by qualified clinical geneticists. The scientists also recommended that financial help by the Centre be given.
The symposium recommended that quality assurance programmes for genetic services be established and certification of technical personnel working in the genetic laboratories/centres should also be established. They advised screening programmes for new born babies for metabolic disorders where early therapy can ensure normal development.
International collaboration between the Indian and foreign universities should be encouraged and genetic services should be made available to everyone, they added.
This symposium also recommended future opportunities for younger scientists needed to be adequately developed and the existing genetic centres should be strengthened. Similarly the scientists were of the view that ethics committees should be instituted at each institution undertaking human genetic research.
Earlier, in the last plenary session, Prof U. Mittwosh, of University College, London speaking on Clones, Past and Present,8217; detailed the term clone8217; as a population of cells or organism formed by asexual reproduction from a common cell or organism. She said the present-day interest of media in cloning especially after the birth of Dolly, a cloned sheep has given wrong notion that humans can be made asexually.
Dr.V.I.Kumar, regional director, who presented the paper of Dr Herrell Illeana, senior adviser, WHO, Switzerland said WHO has given a resolution that all individuals have a right to health. He said considering a genetic and biological difference in all individuals, optimum health should be given to all individuals relevant to their geographical area and environment. It is also connected to human rights, he added.
Prof. Karl Sperling from Germany and the co-chairman of ISGHD said inspite of lack of financial support from government holding, the symposium was difficult but made successful by the efforts of Dr Jai Rup Singh and the university authorities.
Dr H.S.Soch, Vice-Chancellor delivering his presidential remarks at the valedictory function expressed satisfaction at the successful culmination of the symposium.
The post committee headed by Dr.G.S.Sekhon of U S A announced the three best poster award. Choudhary8217;s post of analysis of patients with inherited ataxia in India was adjudged the best, while S. Kachhap of Mumbai got the second award on his poster Identification of Susceptibility Factors in Breast Cancer8217; and Vanita of Amritsar secured the third best prize on her poster Multidisciplinary Approach in Study of Congential Cataract8217;.
A 10-member national working group for genetic disorder was also founded at this symposium.
