Latest news with #WorldThalassemiaDay
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
No formal talks for release of IK with federal govt: Saif
PESHAWAR: Advisor to KP CM on Information and Public Relations, Barrister Dr. Muhammad Ali Saif has said that no formal negotiations are underway with the federal government regarding the release of PTI chairman Imran Khan. He said that during Indian aggression, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) stood united with the Pakistan Army, the nation, and the federal government. He urged the government not to exhibit political arrogance after this major success. Speaking at the 'Meet the Press' event at the Abbottabad Press Club and earlier at a seminar organized by Hajra Hamza Foundation at Jalal Baba Auditorium on World Thalassemia Day, Dr. Saif said that the cases against Imran Khan are baseless and that he is being subjected to injustice. He emphasized that keeping Imran Khan in jail will not break his spirit and that such actions are only increasing PTI's popularity. He challenged the government to release Imran Khan and face him politically, stating that the federal government has no legal or constitutional authority to make decisions. He confirmed that some individuals are attempting to mediate a resolution, but warned that political instability in the country threatens both the economy and national security. During the Thalassemia seminar, Maj. Gen Abid Latif Khan (retd) highlighted the role and efforts of the foundation. At the 'Meet the Press' event, President of Abbottabad Press Club Sardar Naveed Alam, General Secretary Raja Munir Khan, and President of Abbottabad Union of Journalists Atif Qayum raised demand for fund for a media colony, issuance of accreditation cards for journalists, medical funds, and inclusion of Abbottabad journalists in informational tours and training workshops. Regarding the media colony for the journalists of Abbottabad, Dr. Saif said that the Chief Minister has been approached and efforts will be made to resolve the matter within the current fiscal year. He also assured support in resolving other issues faced by journalists. Dr. Saif described the federal government's tactics as signs of fear and stated that Imran Khan will not enter into talks for personal gain but is willing to accept any condition for the sake of Pakistan. He criticized the federal government for turning Islamabad into a city of containers in response to PTI's protest movement and for targeting unarmed workers instead of competing politically. He condemned violence against journalists in Punjab and the suppression of dissent. Dr. Saif revealed that Imran Khan would soon announce the next phase of the protest movement and emphasized that internal party differences should not be aired in the media. On the health front, Dr. Saif noted that the provincial government has included treatment for thalassemia in the Sehat Card program, and bone marrow transplants will now also be covered at the government's expense. Earlier, President of Abbottabad Press Club Sardar Naveed Alam presented the PC-1 file for the media colony to the provincial advisor and reiterated the demand for special funding. Commemorative shields were presented to Barrister Dr. Muhammad Ali Saif and officers of Information Department by the Abbottabad Press Club and Abbottabad Union of Journalists. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
15-05-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
‘State must enforce mandatory thalassemia testing for grooms'
KARACHI: Founder and Chairman of Saylani Welfare, Maulana Muhammad Bashir Farooq Qadri, announced that 92 children undergoing treatment at the Saylani Blood Bank and Thalassemia Centre have been successfully rehabilitated. These children no longer require blood transfusions and can now lead normal lives like other children, dream of a brighter future, and look forward to milestones such as marriage. Currently, 300 more children are receiving treatment at the centre. Addressing a seminar held to mark World Thalassemia Day, Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority Secretary Dr Darnaz Jamal emphasized the need for collective efforts to combat thalassemia. The seminar also featured speeches by prominent figures, including Hamdard University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Shabib Hassan, Director of Clinical Science Division Hamdard Laboratories Prof Dr Hakeem Abdul Hannan, Prof Dr Faisal Haider, Dr Tabiba Saima Ghayas, Dr Azra Rafiq, Dr Zaneer, Dr Abdul Qadeer, Director of Saylani Blood Bank Center Iqbal Qasmani, Dr Sarwar, Dr Younus Jamal, and others. Maulana Muhammad Bashir Farooq Qadri urged the state to strictly enforce the law mandating premarital blood tests for thalassemia minor for grooms. He cited the successful implementation of this law in Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom, which have achieved thalassemia-free status. Dr Darnaz Jamal lauded Saylani's efforts in combating thalassemia and called for research into possible treatments using Unani medicine. She suggested that if marriage registrars were to refuse to solemnize marriages without thalassemia-free blood test reports for grooms, and if banquet halls and catering services declined bookings without such reports, controlling the disease would become much easier. This is crucial because when both the bride and groom are thalassemia minor carriers, their children are at high risk of being born with thalassemia major. She also expressed concern over the lack of awareness, highlighting instances where families have multiple children suffering from this condition. Dr Jamal stressed that the goal is not to impose undue restrictions on marriages but to prevent the annual addition of 10,000 thalassemia-affected children. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
The Hindu
10-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Coal India Limited felicitates CMC for Thalassemia care
Coal India Limited has awarded the Department of Haematology of the Christian Medical College (CMC) in Vellore for its work in thalassemia treatment and care A release said that the award – as part of the CIL's Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana (TBSY) programme – was presented by Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy to Gomathi Joseph, Senior Social Worker of the department, and her team at a function in New Delhi recently. The award is titled 'Gift of Life through Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana', a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of the CIL, and the scheme aims at supporting underprivileged children suffering from thalassemia. As many as 208 children have undergone life-saving transplants at the CMC under the scheme, to mark the World Thalassemia Day. Vikram Mathews, Director, CMC, appreciated the efforts of the Haematology Department for securing the award, the release added.
Gulf Today
10-05-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
Dubai Health opens upgraded units at Thalassemia Center
Dubai Health has announced the inauguration of Majlis Al Saada and High Dependency Unit at its Thalassemia Center, with support from DP World. This initiative aligns with Dubai Health's ongoing efforts to elevate the standard of care and coincides with World Thalassemia Day, observed annually on May 8. The inauguration was attended by Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health; Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation; Dr. Abdulla Al Khayat, CEO of Al Jalila Children's Hospital, Ayoub Al Mulla COO of We One by DP World GCC, and Nabil Qayed, Executive Vice president – Corporate Support, Marwan AlJassmi, Senior Vice president, Alia Al Janahi, VP of HSE, Jill Lambert, Vice President Communications from DP World GCC along with several senior officials from both sides. Majlis Al Saada and High Dependency Unit at the Thalassemia Center were renovated with the support of DP World through Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health. Established 30 years ago, the centre provides medical treatment to approximately 8,872 patients every year, including citizens and residents across various age groups. Over the past decade, 160 patients have undergone bone marrow transplants, reinforcing the centre's position as a leader in thalassemia care. Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director, DP World GCC, said: 'This partnership with Dubai Health to renovate the Thalassemia Centre's Happiness Majlis and Special Care Unit demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the therapeutic experience for patients. Collaborating on projects that raise the quality of healthcare is integral to DP World's social responsibility efforts and our contribution to the advancement of the medical sector.' Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health, said: 'Collaborations are fundamental pillars to achieving transformation in the healthcare sector. Our cooperation with DP World reflects a shared vision focused on people and improving quality of life. We remain deeply committed to expanding these collaborations, ensuring they translate into meaningful initiatives that elevate the patient journey, in line with our 'Patient First' promise.'' Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said: 'We extend our sincere appreciation to DP World for their generous support in renewing Majlis Al Saada and the High Dependency Unit at the Thalassemia Center.' 'We believe that delivering holistic care, addressing psychological and medical needs of patients, is a fundamental pillar of healthcare services. We are proud of the lasting impact the Thalassemia Center has made in serving thousands of patients over the past decades.' The renovations at the Thalassemia Center included Majlis Al Saada and the High Dependency Unit. The Majlis now features a dedicated recreational area, a lecture hall, and a relaxation lounge. The High Dependency Unit was redesigned to better serve patients requiring close medical monitoring and is now equipped with advanced technology in line with the highest international standards. AWARENESS PROGRAMMES: The Thalassemia Center runs an annual awareness campaign programme, including educational lectures held both within and outside the centre. It also provides training to school nurses on how to support students with chronic genetic disorders, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. The programme also includes social campaigns to support medical cases, along with educational and treatment assistance. It also organises recreational events and initiatives throughout the year to raise funds for providing medical equipment and devices to patients. Recently, Dubai Health adopted the Patient Safety Friendly Hospital Initiative (PSFHI), reaffirming a comprehensive patient safety roadmap aligned with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. In keeping with Dubai Health's 'Patient First' promise, the PSFHI framework places the voice of the patient at the core of its efforts, ensuring safety is prioritised at every level of care across its integrated health system. The initiative aims to both enhance patient outcomes and to create an environment that prioritises collaboration and continuous learning, ultimately delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.
News18
09-05-2025
- Health
- News18
Planning A Family? Here's Why Thalassemia Screening Before Marriage Matters
Last Updated: Thalassemia, hereditary blood disorder, impairs the body's ability to produce sufficient haemoglobin. With early screening, this disorder can be entirely avoided. Observed annually on May 8, World Thalassemia Day serves as a vital reminder to acknowledge the challenges faced by those living with thalassemia, while also promoting efforts to prevent the condition altogether. More than just a medical concern, thalassemia is a social issue that demands greater awareness, public acceptance, and a proactive stance on prevention, particularly through premarital screening. With early intervention and informed choices, this lifelong and often debilitating disorder can be entirely avoided. Thalassemia is a hereditary blood disorder that impairs the body's ability to produce sufficient haemoglobin, an essential component of red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen. As a result, individuals with thalassemia suffer from chronic anaemia and often rely on regular blood transfusions to survive. However, these transfusions offer only temporary relief and come with long-term risks, including iron overload, organ damage, and increased vulnerability to infections. They also impose significant emotional and financial strain on patients and their families. What many don't realise is that thalassemia is entirely preventable. The condition arises only when both parents are silent carriers of the faulty gene—individuals who typically show no symptoms and may remain unaware of their status without a specific blood test. Tragically, many couples discover they are carriers only after the birth of a child with thalassemia major, a diagnosis that brings lifelong challenges. Dr. Shubham Bhattacharya, Hematologist at CMRI Hospital Kolkata, says, 'From an affected perspective, if both parents are carriers, there would be a 25% risk during each pregnancy that a 50% chance of producing a child who is also a carrier, and only a 25% chance of a completely unaffected child. But this genetic lottery can be avoided through a simple blood test, such as Haemoglobin Electrophoresis or HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)—conducted before marriage or family planning." 'If a couple is found to be at risk, genetic counselling becomes critical. Should they decide to proceed with having children, prenatal diagnostic testing during the first trimester of pregnancy (preferably before 12 weeks) can help detect whether the fetus is affected by thalassemia major. Based on the results, couples can explore their options and receive appropriate support. That said, prevention before conception remains the best path forward—medically, emotionally, and ethically," added Dr Bhattacharya. Thalassemia may be genetic, but with the right awareness and timely action, it can be prevented. First Published:
