Single test facility for detection of thalassaemia, hepatitis stressed

Islamabad : President Dr Arif Alvi on Thursday called the need for an effective policy to introduce single blood screening facility for simultaneous detection of Thalassaemia and Hepatitis to overcome the challenges of life-threatening diseases.Addressing here at the two-day 14th National Thalassaemia Conference and Workshop, the President said stringent steps were required to control Thalassaemia including raising public awareness by using platforms of media and mosques.The event was organized by the Thalassaemia Federation of Pakistan at Rawalpindi Medical University, which gathered doctors and paramedics from across the country.President Alvi said the government had placed the health sector in its priority list with increased budgetary allocations.He said there were 0.1 patients of Thalassaemia in Pakistan, adding the disease could be controlled by taking precautionary measures.He called upon philanthropists in the country to financially support the treatment of Thalassaemia patients. The president said a patient Usman, who lost his life in fight with Thalassaemia, would be given a posthumous presidential award in March 23 for his services for his fellow patients.Special Assistant to PM on National Health Services Regulations and Coordination Dr Zafar Mirza said the government was taking steps to provide healthcare services to all segments of the society.He stressed implementation of Thalassaemia Prevention Control Programme to control the disease and suggested blood screening and counselling as important steps before marriage.Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid said six percent population of the country was suffering with Thalassaemia and called the need for expansion of prevention control programmes in all provinces.She said next November 8, would be observed as National Thalassaemia Day.Managing Director Pakistan Baitul Maal Aun Abbas Bappi said Thalassaemia Centres had been established in different parts of the country with around Rs70 million spent on these patients.Thalassaemia Federation of Pakistan President Lt Gen (r) Moeenuddin Haider said 56 societies were affiliated with his organisation and supporting the welfare of Thalassaemia patients.

from The News International - Islamabad https://ift.tt/2Z8TM5i