In order to create awareness regarding Thalsassemia, the Medical College of Foundation University on Saturday organised a symposium on the disease. Pakistan Thalassemia Welfare Society President Lt Gen (r) Fahim Ahmed Khan was the chief guest while Foundation University Medical College (FUMC) Principal Maj Gen (r) Dr Nasim-ul-Majeed was also present on the occasion. The speakers stressed the need for prevention from the disease by using blood screening therapy before marriages and initiating awareness programmes. The speakers gave an overview of Thalassemia, its management with emphasis on Hb-F Augmentation and BMT, the prevention of complications, metabolic bone disease in Thalassemia, bone marrow transplant and the prevention of the disease. The audience was informed that children with Thalassemia need monthly blood transfusions apart from pharmacological treatment to control the iron overload. Pakistan has nearly 10 million people who are Thalassemia carriers and around six thousand babies are born with Thalassemia major every year. Lieutenant Khan said the Pakistan Thalassemia Welfare Society is the pioneer in creating awareness of this disease and has helped a number of patients to get proper treatment. He lauded the FUMC for holding the comprehensive symposium. The speakers included FUMC Pediatrics HOD Professor Parveen Akhtar, FFH, Professor Dr Joveria Mannan, President Thalassemia Society of Pakistan Dr Tahir Shamsi, Bismillah Taqi Hospital Director Dr Adil Akhtar, FJMC Associate Pediatrics Professor Brig Pervaiz Ahmed, Rawalpindi AFBMTC Commandant Dr Farogh Zohra, FJMC Associate professor of Surgery and Maj Gen Suhaib Ahmed.
