Latest news with #Thalassemia
Business Recorder
a day 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
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
TSCS, Fernandez Hospital team up for prenatal testing
The Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society (TSCS) has partnered with Fernandez Hospital to launch prenatal diagnostic testing for couples identified as carriers of Thalassemia or Sickle Cell Anaemia. The testing will be offered at the Prenatal Diagnostic Centre at Kamala Hospital and Research Centre, a unit of TSCS in Hyderabad. This initiative is part of TSCS's broader goal to eliminate births of children with Thalassemia Major and Sickle Cell Anaemia by 2035. The society's ongoing antenatal screening programme identifies carrier couples early in pregnancy. If both partners are carriers, there is a 25% risk in each pregnancy that their child will be affected. The new facility will allow for early prenatal diagnostic testing in such cases, enabling timely decisions for at-risk families, said a release.
Hans India
20-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Call for urgent need for genetic blood disorders awareness
Vijayawada: Minister for Health, Medical, and Family Welfare Y Satya Kumar Yadav on Monday stressed the critical need for increased public awareness regarding genetic blood disorders like Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Anaemia and Haemophilia. He was speaking at the inauguration of a two-day 'Orientation Training on Advanced Modalities in Diagnosis and Treatment of Blood Diseases' programme here on Monday, jointly organised by National Health Mission and Haemophilia Society, aims at equipping healthcare professionals with the latest knowledge in diagnosing and treating these conditions. The Minister highlighted the prevalence of these genetic disorders in the State, stating Andhra Pradesh has approximately 1,900 individuals suffering from Haemophilia, and roughly 2,100 people are battling Thalassemia, with a similar number affected by Sickle Cell Anaemia.' 'The State government is committed to identifying affected individuals and providing them with regular, free blood transfusions,' the Minister affirmed. He noted that five Integrated Centers for Hemoglobinopathy and Haemophilia (ICHH) across the State are already conducting preliminary diagnostic tests. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, the government provides free treatment and medicines. Beyond medical treatment, the State government is also providing a monthly pension of Rs 10,000 to those afflicted with Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Anaemia, and Haemophilia. Satya Kumar Yadav also provided an update on the ongoing Sickle Cell Anaemia screening programme in tribal areas, targeting individuals under 40 years old. 'Out of 1.9 million people requiring screening in these areas, we have screened 1.05 million so far, and the process is continuing,' he stated. He revealed that over 19,000 carriers have been identified, and 2,100 individuals have been diagnosed with the disease. Following genetic screening for Sickle Cell Anaemia, identification cards are being issued to those diagnosed. Minister Yadav also shared that Bhuvaneswari, wife of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, has undertaken a fundraising initiative in Vijayawada for Thalassemia patients. He mentioned the emergence of new technologies like gene editing, expressing confidence in the expertise of professors in government hospitals to provide high-quality services to economically disadvantaged patients. Dr Kameswara Prasad (APSACS APD in-charge), Dr Prasanna (Joint Director), Dr Devi (State Immunisation Officer), Dr NBSV Prasad (Secretary, Haemophilia Society Vijayawada Chapter), nodal officers for Sickle Cell Anaemia, nodal officers from the five ICHH centers, Dr Ramachandra Raju, Dr YD Ramarao, and other medical professionals also participated.
The Hindu
18-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Plant-based therapeutic formulation to deal with Thalassemia and Sickle cell Anaemia
Researchers from BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus have claimed to have developed a plant-based therapeutic formulation for improved Iron Chelation Therapy (ICT), offering hope for safer and more accessible treatment options. Iron overload is a growing concern in India, especially among patients with Thalassemia and Sickle cell Anaemia who depend on frequent blood transfusions. Left untreated, excess iron can severely damage the liver, heart and endocrine system. There are over 100,000 Thalassemia major patients, many of whom require perpetual ICT to manage iron toxicity. While effective, 'Deferoxamine (DFO)', the current gold standard for ICT, poses several challenges including poor oral bioavailability, high cost and notable side effects such as nephrotoxicity and poor patient compliance. The institute researchers team consisting of Trinath Jamma, Onkar Kulkarni, Ramakrishnan Ganesan, Jayati Ray Dutta, Pranathi Tata and Aparajita Ghosh have developed a formulation, which has shown superior performance to DFO in in their animal studies. They have demonstrated in their research study that this plant-inspired complex not only efficiently removes excess iron but also results in lower systemic toxicity. 'By harnessing the natural chelating ability of polyphenols to bind to iron and combining it with natural organic compounds, the formulation offers a biocompatible, affordable, and safer therapeutic alternative,' said Mr. Ganesan. The work marks a milestone in green and patient-centric drug development, potentially transforming iron overload management not just in the country but also globally. Their research work has recently been published in 'Molecular Pharmaceutics', an American Chemical Society Journal, said a press release.
Hans India
17-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Blood donation camp for children with thalassemia
Devanakonda(Kurnool district): A mega blood donation camp was organized in Devanakonda on Friday under the aegis of ARD a social welfare organization, with the aim of extending support to children suffering from Thalassemia. The event took place at the local Gram Panchayat office and saw overwhelming participation, with over 161 individuals stepping forward to donate blood on Friday. According to the organizers — Veeresh, Jagadeesh, Chidambaran Goud, and Sai, the camp was conducted to address the critical and ongoing need for blood among Thalassemia patients, especially children who require transfusions every 21 days to survive. They said the collected blood would be channeled to medical facilities treating such patients. Medical professionals who participated in the event, including Dr. Sreekanth Reddy, Ram Babu, Suresh, and Pratap, spoke on the urgent need to create awareness about Thalassemia and the lifesaving impact of regular blood donations. 'Every drop of blood donated helps extend the life of a Thalassemia child. This is not just a donation — it's a gift of life,' said Dr. Reddy. The doctors and volunteers urged citizens to make blood donation a regular practice and contribute to the well-being of those battling chronic illnesses. They emphasized that blood donation is safe, simple, and has the potential to save multiple lives. The camp witnessed enthusiastic support from the local community, reflecting a growing sense of social responsibility and compassion. Organizers praised the donors and volunteers for their dedication and expressed hope that such events would inspire many more to join the cause. ARD officials noted that the organization will continue to hold similar blood donation drives across the region to ensure that Thalassemia patients never face a shortage of blood. They also encouraged people to learn more about Thalassemia and support affected families in any way possible. This initiative stands as a testament to the power of community-driven efforts in addressing critical healthcare challenges and improving lives through collective action.
