May 8 marks International Thalassaemia Day, which is celebrated all over the world to raise awareness among general public, healthcare provider & decision makers to improve the lives and wellbeing of Thalassaemia patients all over the world.
FJMU and Punjab Thalassemia and Other Genetic Disorders Prevention & Research Institute in collaboration with Thalassaemia Federation of Pakistan (TFP) organized a Seminar and an online Thalassaemia clinic to commemorate the International Thalassaemia Day 2023 at Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU) Lahore.
Prof. Dr. Noreen Akmal, Principal Fatima Jinnah Medical College welcomed the participants and informed them about the global and Pakistani prevalence of Thalassaemia. Moreover, she also informed the participants about the services provided at FJMU for Thalassaemia prevention and treatment.
President, Thalassemia Federation of Pakistan, Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Moinuddin Haider in his online address highlighted the services provided by Thalassaemia societies across Pakistan. Dr. Yasmin Ehsan, Additional Director PTGD provided a comprehensive presentation on the prevention of Thalassaemia.
Speaking at this occasion, Dr. Hussain Jafri, Director General PTGD said that the Punjab government has established the PTGD for the prevention of thalassemia and other Genetic diseases. Under this institution, complete facilities for the prevention and eradication of thalassemia and other hereditary diseases are provided free of cost, including Thalassemia Blood Testing, Genetic Counseling, Prenatal Diagnosis, Pre-Marriage Thalassemia Testing and DNA Laboratory. These services are provided free of cost in all the 36 districts of Punjab.
Vice Chancellor Fatima Jinnah Medical University Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal in his speech said that awareness of Thalassaemia is key for the prevention of this disease from the country. There is need that the people of Pakistan are mobilized to get themselves tested for Thalassaemia carrier status. The theme of this year International Thalassaemia Day is “Strengthening Education to Bridge the Thalassaemia Care Gap”. This campaign focuses on the need for improved access to quality, lifelong thalassaemia education for people living with the disorder and healthcare professionals involved in their care. It underscores the value of each individual contribution to reducing the prevalence of Thalassaemia, whilst stressing that collective action towards enhancing awareness and understanding of the condition is crucial for its effective treatment.
Prof. Gondal appreciated the services provided through PTGD for the prevention and treatment of Thalassaemia across the province of Punjab.
At the end of the Ceremony, Principal Prof. Dr. Noreen Akmal presented the vote of thanks. After the seminar, an online thalassaemia clinic was also organized which was led by Dr Jovaria Mannan Chair Person Thalassaemia Federation of Pakistan.