World Thalassaemia Day celebrated at Fatima Jinnah Medical University

Fatima Jinnah Medical University, in collaboration with Punjab Thalassaemia & Other Genetic Diseases Diagnosis, Prevention and Research Institute (PTGD), celebrated World Thalassaemia Day with an awareness seminar.

Vice Chancellor, FJMU Prof. Dr. Khalid Masud Gondal graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

Educational Advisor Mr. Shakir Ali graced the event the Special Guest. Prof. Javeria Mannan, former Head of Paediatrics Department graced the event as the Guest of Honour.

The event was attended by faculty members, including Former Principal Prof. Noreen Akmal, Prof. Bilquis Shabbir, and Prof. Shabnam Bashir, along with Dr. Yasmin Ehsan from PTGD. A large number of undergraduate students and thalassemia-affected children also attended, making it a meaningful gathering.

The theme of today's seminar was " Together for Thalassaemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritising Patients. The seminar aimed to raise awareness on diagnosis, prevention, and elimination of thalassemia and other genetic diseases.

Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal welcomed the guests and congratulated Dr. Yasmin Ehsan on organizing the seminar. He thanked the Punjab Government for their effective role in the project and emphasized the importance of awareness, precautions, and timely diagnosis in combating thalassemia. He highlighted that prevention is key, citing the success of other countries in controlling the disease. He also expressed solidarity with the security forces, appreciated their role in ensuring national security and peace. He concluded by affirming the medical community's readiness to serve the nation.

Dr. Yasmeen Ehsan briefed on the Punjab Thalassaemia Prevention Program, highlighting the institute's establishment in 2009-2010. She mentioned the comprehensive services offered free of cost across 36 districts of Punjab , including thalassemia blood testing, genetic counselling, prenatal diagnosis, DNA lab services and Chorionic Villous Sampling. At the end, she thanked the guests and participants, including Vice Chancellor Prof. Khalid Masood Gondal.

Prof. Shabnam Bashir emphasised that thalassemia patients require lifelong blood transfusions, attributing the condition's prevalence to lack of awareness. She highlighted the increased risk of having children with thalassemia major when two carriers marry. She highly appreciated the Punjab Thalassaemia and Other Genetic Diseases Diagnosis, Prevention and Research Institute for its outstanding services as the World's Largest Prevention Centre.

Prof. Javeria Mannan expressed her honor as the founder of the Thalassaemia Project, highlighting the disease's far-reaching impact on patients and their families, both emotionally and financially.

Special Guest Shakir Ali emphasized the importance of collective efforts in raising awareness and combating thalassemia, stressing that everyone's contribution is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.

Thalassemia-affected children presented a tableau, highlighting their resilience and strength.  Prof. Bilquis Shabbir delivered the vote of thanks.

Honorary Shields were distributed to conclude the seminar and the audience chanting patriotic slogans ‘Long Live Pakistan' and 'Long Live Pakistan Army' at the end of seminar.