Medical experts have strongly advised mandatory screening of couples to identify thalassemia carriers followed by genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis so as to reduce the number of children born with the ailment.
Speaking at a session arranged to launch thalassemia screening of medical students and doctors under the aegis of the Institute of Hematology of Dow University of Health (DUHS), the medical experts sought massive public awareness to control the disease.
Prof. Tahir Shamsi, Prof. Saquib Ansari, DUHS Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof. Masood Hameed Khan and Prof. Akbar Agha said that sensitization at a mass level was required to control the considerably high incidences of thalassemia in the country.
“Thalassemia is a disease which kills unless treated properly and in time,” said senior physician Prof. Masood.
He said it was important for the disease to be diagnosed in time as otherwise children suffering from the ailment would lead a terrible life and would also require blood transfusion after every 15 to 20 days for their survival. “The only cure is bone marrow transplantation which is too expensive and most patients cannot afford it,” said the senior physician.
