GMC Jammu, University of Jammu hold genetic counselling camp
27/09/2026
Jammu, Sep 25: Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu and the University of Jammu organised a free Genetic Counselling-cum-Awareness Camp on thalassemia and rare genetic diseases at the Genetic Laboratory and Thalassemia Unit of SMGS Hospital.
The camp aimed to raise awareness about genetic counselling, early identification and appropriate laboratory evaluation of individuals and families affected by thalassemia and other inherited disorders.
The programme was organised under the Mission Programme in Pediatrics Rare Diseases, a research project funded by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. The initiative was jointly conducted 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, who highlighted the importance of awareness and genetic counselling in the prevention and management of thalassemia and rare genetic diseases.
Er. Deep Raj Kanethia (JKAS), Administrator, Associated Hospitals, GMC Jammu; Dr. Neha Sharma (JKAS), Administrative Officer, GMC Jammu; and Dr. Dara Singh, Medical Superintendent, SMGS Hospital, attended the programme as special guests and appreciated the collaborative initiative.
Healthcare professionals, geneticists, laboratory personnel, students and families affected by thalassemia and other inherited disorders participated in the camp. A total of 35 families were screened and 70 samples collected during the programme.
Dr. (Prof.) Sanjeev K. Digra, Professor and Head, Department of Pediatrics, GMC Jammu, and Dr. Parvinder Kumar, Associate Professor, Department of Zoology and Human Genetics, University of Jammu, sensitised participants about the role of genetic testing and counselling in the management and prevention of thalassemia.
They also conducted counselling sessions and interacted with affected families to address their concerns.
The programme focused on hereditary aspects of thalassemia and rare genetic diseases, carrier detection, genetic testing, reproductive counselling and appropriate follow-up.
The counselling sessions also provided families with information regarding diagnosis, inheritance patterns and future family planning.
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