Quetta, On World Thalassemia Day, regional health authorities in Quetta emphasized the importance of awareness and proactive testing to combat thalassemia, a prevalent genetic disorder in the region. Events were organized by the Regional Blood Center BMC Hospital and the Thalassemia Care Unit of Civil Hospital Quetta, focusing on the advances in care and the critical need for community involvement in prevention efforts.
According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Balochistan, speakers at the event, including Secretary Health Abdullah Khan and Professor Dr. Hanif Mengal, Director of Balochistan Safe Transfusion, outlined the significant strides made in reducing mortality rates and extending the intervals between necessary blood donations for thalassemia patients at BMC Hospital. They highlighted the essential role of the Balochistan Thalassemia Prevention Act, which mandates thalassemia testing before marriage, as a crucial measure in controlling the disease.
The health officials stressed that while medical treatments have improved patient outcomes, comprehensive public education and legal frameworks are imperative to prevent the transmission of thalassemia. They called for a concerted effort from both the Department of Education and the Department of Law to ensure future generations are protected from this debilitating condition. The event also underscored the need for greater community engagement to encourage pre-marital thalassemia testing, which remains the most effective strategy for reducing the incidence of the disease in Balochistan.