SAHIWAL – In a significant step toward improving regional healthcare, the Surraya Amin Blood Bank, Thalassemia, and Hemophilia Center was officially inaugurated at the Silver Jubilee Maternity Hospital. The project is a joint initiative of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and the District Red Crescent Branch, Sahiwal.
Distinguished Guests and Key Participants
The inauguration ceremony was graced by high-profile officials and community leaders, including:
Mrs. Tahira Parveen, Director General (DG) Nursing Punjab (Chief Guest).
Captain (R) Samiullah Farooq, Deputy Commissioner Sahiwal and Chairman of the District Red Crescent Branch (Chief Guest).
Rana Aurangzeb, Additional Deputy Commissioner Finance.
Syed Mahboob Qadir Shah, Secretary General PRCS Punjab.
Sheikh Muhammad Afzal, Prominent philanthropist and donor.
Peer Ahsan-ul-Haq Idrees, Secretary.
Professor Qamar-uz-Zaman Khan and Mrs. Shad Masood.
DG Nursing Punjab: “Mandatory Testing Before Marriage”
Addressing the ceremony, DG Nursing Tahira Parveen emphasized the emotional and physical toll of Thalassemia. While praising the resilience of children battling the disorder, she issued a vital call to action for the public:
“To protect future generations from this deadly disease, pre-marital blood testing must be made mandatory. Furthermore, citizens should donate blood generously; it causes no physical weakness and is essential for saving the lives of these brave children.”
She concluded by stressing that widespread public awareness is the only way to effectively curb the spread of Thalassemia.
Deputy Commissioner Praises Humanitarian Efforts
Deputy Commissioner Captain (R) Samiullah Farooq lauded the PRCS Sahiwal team for their consistent dedication to humanitarian causes. He described the branch as an “exemplary institution” that translates empathy into practical action. He also extended a special tribute to Sheikh Muhammad Afzal for his immense philanthropic contributions to the center.
Ceremony Highlights and Impact
During the event, Syed Mahboob Qadir Shah provided a comprehensive briefing on the PRCS’s ongoing and future welfare projects. The ceremony concluded with several key milestones:
Official Handover: The formal signing for the transfer of medical equipment was completed.
Recognition: Commemorative shields were distributed to guests and individuals who rendered outstanding services.
Appreciation: Dr. Nighat Parveen thanked the participants, while the event was hosted by Fouzia Saeed and her team.
The Bottom Line: This new center is expected to be a lifeline for patients in Sahiwal and surrounding districts, providing much-needed access to safe blood transfusions and specialized care for Thalassemia and Hemophilia.