National thalassemia policy needed: minister

Marriyum Aurangzeb says will take up the issue in federal cabinet

ISLAMABAD: There is a need to have a uniform thalassemia policy for the entire country, said Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.

She said that she will discuss the issue in the federal cabinet to form a national level, policy and programme, and technical advisory group to prevent thalassemia in the country.

“Currently there is no national level strategy, planning or programme for guidance at the federal and provincial level on the pattern of hepatitis, tuberculosis after devolution,” she said at an event held to mark International Thalassemia Day organised by the Safe Blood Transfusion Programme (SBTP), Ministry of Health. A large number of thalassemia patients and their families were present at the event.

She added that blood transfusion has been identified as a priority area in our health sector and the government’s blood safety systems reforms are being implemented successfully with the support of the German government through the Safe Blood Transfusion Programme.

SBTP National Coordinator Prof Hasan Abbas Zaheer said premarital screening laws have been passed by the provinces and at the federal level it is in the pipeline still the number of cases are increasing because there is no mechanism to implement the laws.

The highlight of the function was the performances of the thalassaemia children who presented tableau, songs, dances and other items to demonstrate their resolve to lead normal lives despite facing the challenges posed by the regular blood transfusions and other medical treatment.

Separately, a walk was held at National Press Club to raise awareness about blood donation that is too low in the country. The awareness raising walk was organised by E-Blood, a volunteer organization to by health professionals and university students, working for blood management.

E-Blood President Dr Fazal Rabbi said: “we need to increase blood donation.” According to estimates, he said, nearly 4.2 million blood units are needed in the country but only 2.8 million are donated annually.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 9^th, 2018.