PRCS to set up National Thalassemia Centre

Journalists provided first aid training to over 50 media persons.

Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) will set up state-of-the-art National Thalassemia Centre at its headquarters in Islamabad. This was stated by PRCS Chairman Dr Saeed Elahi while addressing a blood awareness campaign for journalists held in connection with World Blood Donor Day 2015 at the National Press Club (NPC) Islamabad.

Highlighting the significance of journalists’ role, he said they are among first ones to reach site of any incident or disaster and if trained in first aid and rescue, they can save many lives besides performing their professional duties.

Elahi said the society in collaboration with International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) is providing first aid training to journalists across the country. A blood camp was arranged at the press club to set up a data bank of donors who can be contacted in case of an emergency. At the time of the APS Peshawar attack, the society provided 250 pints of blood to hospitals, he added. He further informed that PRCS will provide free-of-cost blood to deserving journalists and they can avail ambulance service by only paying the cost of fuel.

It also organised a blood donation camp at NPC in which journalists were sensitised about blood donation besides provision of first aid training to over 50 media persons.

PRCS Secretary General Ghulam Muhammad Awan hoped journalists will continue to serve the vulnerable section of society in a befitting manner.

NPC Vice-President Amir Sajjad Syed said the journalist community welcomes the initiative to train journalists in first aid and create awareness about blood donation.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 13^th, 2015.