Lahore: An awareness seminar on Thalassaemia Prevention was held at Fatima Jinnah Medical University as part of the Annual Scientific Conference 2024. The event, organized on November 12, 2024, welcomed Mr. Khawaja Salman Rafique, Punjab’s Health Minister for Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education, as the Chief Guest. Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal served as Patron-in-Chief.

Prof. Dr. Gondal stressed the importance of prevention over cure, underscoring the role of counseling and awareness in combating thalassaemia. He also highlighted the services provided by the Punjab Thalassaemia Institute across all 36 districts of Punjab.

Health Minister Rafique called for pre-marital blood screening for thalassaemia, emphasizing the need for empathy from medical professionals. Prof. Dr. Shabnam Bashir noted advancements in thalassaemia awareness in Pakistan, including the ability to diagnose the condition during pregnancy.

The Punjab Government has established the Punjab Thalassaemia and Other Genetic Disorder Prevention and Research Institute, offering free prevention and eradication services for genetic diseases.

The seminar also featured performances by thalassemic children, and Prof. Gondal presented honorary shields and certificates to distinguished guests and PTGD employees for their contributions.