Thalassemia is a major health concern in Pakistan as about one in ten of all childhood deaths in the country are due to this genetic blood disorder. Keeping this in mind, the decision by the Punjab government to establish state-of-the-art Thalassemia Centres in Paediatric ward of every DHQ hospital in the province is welcoming. According to details, these centres will be equipped with all the diagnostic facilities and will also cover curative aspect through provision of injections and other needful medication. While the government is playing its part, it is equally important for the media to spread awareness to prevent this disease by carrier detection and avoiding in-family marriages. It is hoped that the decision by the government would help reduce infant mortality rate in Pakistan generally and Punjab particularly.
Saqib Ali
Lahore