Headline, March24, 2013

'''THE GENETIC ALPHABET OF

EVERY CELL : DEAR DEAR ME!'''

Believe you me that there is no more potent myth than that of the relentless onward march of medical progress. Just 50 years ago there was no cure for TB, no vaccines against polio or diphtheria, no effective drugs to treat hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, Parkinson's or schizophrenia, no treatment for infertility, no open heart surgery and no transplants.

So it is natural to assume that this progress and onwards march will continue till we hit the utopia of perfect health for all.

In the near future, the genetic code will stand cracked. Or rather the genetic alphabet in every cell,  -which runs to the equivalent of 20 volumes each of 2000 pages long, will stand unravelled. This maybe an impressive achievement, but with limited practical utility.

But with a better understanding of genetics, it is argued, it will be possible to screen the fetus while still in the uterus for evidence of genetic disease and abort those found to be abnormal.

On the other hand, most common diseases like cancer, or alcoholism have a genetic element, but here identifying the gene involved and aborting fetuses merely because they have an increased risk rather than a certainty of developing such problems in adult life is equally unlikely.

Theoretically, genetic therapy  -the replacement of dud genes in affected cells with normal ones-  maybe an option. This has recently been tried in cystic fibrosis by spraying the airways with a genetically altered virus in the hope that it would infect the abnormal bronchial cells, transfer the genetic material and thus restore normal functioning. But once again, the logistics and expense of such an approach are daunting and claims of substantial and significant benefit unrealistic.

New techniques of minimally invasive surgery, by contrast, are likely to have a major effect on surgical practice. Essentially, large incisions allowing direct visualization and manipulation of organs and structures are out. They are being replaced with fibre-optic endoscopes which puncture the skin and through which the surgeon, with help of video technology, can perform dissections with the least possible trauma. The Royal College of Surgeons has predicted, that in a few years, most routine operations, perhaps over 90 per cent of the total, will be one in this way and the patient will only need to remain in the hospital for one day.

With respectful dedication to all the Pakistani and British Doctors, and all the Nursing Staff who helped send Student Malala Yusafzai back to school, and I hope and wish, global leadership.

With special dedication to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Raja Parvez Ashraf, Pakistan, Prime Minister David Cameron and Prime Minister Gordon Brown, for splendid humane service and honor.

Good Night & God Bless!

SAM Daily Times - the Voice of the Voiceless