Sahiwal (Sahiwal News – Web Desk): Thalassemia is a life-threatening disease in children, and raising public awareness is essential to prevent it.
To protect future generations, it is important for couples to undergo a thalassemia test before marriage, and cousin marriages should be discouraged. Every year, around 6,000 children in Pakistan are born with this dangerous disease — the highest number in the world.
These views were expressed during a seminar held at Sahiwal Medical College in connection with Thalassemia Day. Commissioner Sahiwal Division Dr. Asif Tufail was the chief guest, while Principal Sahiwal Medical College Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhtar presided over the seminar.
Among the participants were MS Sahiwal Teaching Hospital Dr. Zulfiqar Haider, Dr. Yasmin Ehsan, Dr. Amna Urooj, Dr. Saeeda Bano, Dr. Anber Nawaz Chaudhry, Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Yaseen, Thalassemia Center In-charge Suhail Shakoor, DPS Sahiwal’s 4th-grade Thalassemia Ambassador Salar Suhail, as well as a large number of doctors, nurses, and students.
Commissioner Dr. Asif Tufail urged doctors to give special attention to educating the public so children can be protected from this painful disease. Participants emphasized that the hesitation surrounding pre-marital thalassemia testing must end so that future generations can be saved from this illness.
Principal Sahiwal Medical College Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhtar appealed to the public to ensure pre-marital screening to secure their children’s future.
Timely awareness and precaution are the best defense against this disease. He said that this day is an opportunity to renew our commitment to collectively build a society where no child suffers from thalassemia and every life is filled with the colors of hope and good health.