RAWALPINDI - The 8th National Thalassaemia Conference concluded at the Ripha International University (RIU) here on Sunday.
During the two-day conference, various issues relating to Thalasaemia and its treatment were discussed in detail.
Thalassaemia situation in Pakistan and the preventive measures being taken to control the spread of the disease were also came under discussion.
The participants of the conference expressed their determination to continue to work for the public awareness regarding the disease and help the Thalassaemia patients to become useful members of the society.
The conference held four working sessions and two workshops on various topics relating to diagnosis and prevention of Thalassaemia and improving quality of patient’s management.
It was attended by delegates from across the country including doctors, volunteers and representative of the governmental and non-governmental organizations.
Earlier, the conference was inaugurated by the renowned scientist Dr Inam-ur-Rahim whereas RIU Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Dr Anis Ahmed, Thalassaemia Federation of Pakistan (TFP) President Lt General (retd) Moin-Ud-Din Haider and Secretary General Dr Yasmin Rashid were also present on the occasion.
The aim of the conference was to discuss strategies to make Pakistan a Thalassaemia-free country.
Dr Inam-Ur-Rehman, in his address, congratulated RIU and TFP for organizing the conference and hoped its recommendations will help in eliminating Thalassaemia from Pakistan. He said that following of religion and wholeheartedly serving the ailing humanity are the major sources of peaceful and successful life.
RIU VC Prof Dr Anis Ahmad, in his keynote speech, threw light on the Islamic and Shariah aspects of the preventive measures to avoid the disease. He said that Shariah was not a complicated thing and it was very simple to follow it for better health and good life. Quran and Shariah have given clear guidance for prevention of diseases and leading a healthy life.
He stressed to make use of modern technology such as telemedicine for diagnosis and treatment of Thalassaemia. He also suggested forming a youth force to work for creating awareness about Thalassaemia and help patients for their treatment. It should also be made a subject of curriculum at college and university level so that our youth were aware of the disease and its causes, he added.
“Inter-cousin marriages are one of the causes of Thalassaemia, it is a curable and not terrible disease. The Federation is working day and night to see Pakistan a Thalassaemia-free country,” said TFP President Lt General (retd) Moin-Ud-Din Haider. He also appreciated the role of Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) and the governmental and non-governmental organizations for taking steps to prevent the spread of Thalassaemia and help the patients to become useful citizens.
TFP Secretary General Dr Yasmin Rashid spoke about the clinical preventive measures to eradicate Thalassaemia from the society. She said that families having Thalassaemia history should get screening of their children before marriage. She highlighted the steps being taken by the Thalassaemia Federation to help patients to get treatment and become normal citizens of the country.