Mustafa Kamal Calls for DNA Labs in Provinces After Gul Plaza Tragedy
Karachi, Pakistan | Web Desk: The Federal Government has inaugurated a digitally upgraded Federal Dispensary in FC Area, Karachi, under the Healthcare Digitalization Program, marking another milestone in Pakistan’s public health reforms.
Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal, speaking at the inauguration ceremony, revealed that DNA testing of remains could not be conducted for five days after the Gul Plaza tragedy, forcing the federal government to intervene. He stressed the urgent need to establish DNA laboratories in every province to effectively handle mass-casualty incidents.
The newly inaugurated facility is Karachi’s third digitalized federal dispensary and the sixth nationwide under the “Sehat Kahani” initiative, established in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health. The project aims to modernize Basic Health Units (BHUs) by integrating telemedicine, digital diagnostics, and free medicines.
Addressing the ceremony, Sehat Kahani CEO Sara Saeed Khurram said the telemedicine platform has been upgraded with federal support. She noted that similar dispensaries have already been modernized at Karachi Airport and Jacob Lines, providing free consultations and medicines to patients.
Minister Mustafa Kamal said 10 digital dispensaries are being developed nationwide, including six in Islamabad and four in Karachi. He also confirmed that the National Institute of Health (NIH) issued an alert regarding the Nipah virus four days ago, urging the public to take precautions, while reassuring that Pakistan remains Nipah-free so far.
Highlighting healthcare priorities, he said 70–80% of medical needs can be addressed at primary and secondary healthcare centers, while major surgeries and transplants require tertiary hospitals. He emphasized learning from past tragedies and implementing preventive measures, rather than reacting after disasters occur.
