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Sunday, May 06, 2012
Call to evolve strategy to make Pakistan thalasaemia-free* Health expert says modern technology be used in diagnosing, treatment of thalasaemia
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: A two-day 8th National Thalasaemia Conference opened in Rawalpindi on Saturday to evolve strategy to make Pakistan a thalasaemia-free country.
The conference has been organised by Islamic International Medical College, a constituent institute of the Riphah International University (RIU), in collaboration with the Thalasaemia Federation of Pakistan (TFP). Renowned scientist Dr Inamur Rehman was the chief guest at the inaugural session, while RIU Vice Chancellor Dr Anis Ahmad and TFP Secretary Dr Yasmin Raashid were the keynote speakers.
In his address, Dr Inam congratulated the organisers of the conference and hoped its recommendations would help eliminate thalasaemia from Pakistan. He said following of religion and wholeheartedly serving the ailing humanity are the major sources of peaceful and successful life.
Addressing the conference, Dr Anis shed light on the Islamic and Shariah aspects of the 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. The holy Quran and Shariah have given clear guidance for prevention of diseases and leading to a healthy life, he said. He stressed that modern technology such as telemedicine be used in diagnosing and treatment of thalasaemia, suggesting the formation of a youth force to create awareness about thalasaemia in people and help patients in their treatment. It should also be included in curriculum at college and university levels to aware the youth about the disease and its causes, he added.
Dr Yasmin Raashid spoke about clinical preventive measures to eradicate thalasaemia from society, adding that families having thalasaemia history should get screening of their children before marriages. She highlighted the steps being taken by her organisation in helping patients get treatment and become normal citizens of the country.
TFP President Lt General (r) Moinuddin Haider said inter-cousin marriages were one of the causes of thalasaemia, and the practice should be avoided. He said thalasaemia was curable and not fatal disease. He said that the federation was working hard to make Pakistan a thalasaemia-free country. He appreciated the Pakistan Baitul Maal and the governmental and non-governmental organisations for taking steps to prevent the spread of thalasaemia and help the patients become useful citizens. The conference during its two-day working sessions will discuss various issues relating to thalasaemia and its treatment. It will also discuss thalasaemia situation in Pakistan and the preventive measures to control the spread of the disease.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk