Rawalkot: The Department of Medical Lab Technology at the University of Poonch Rawalakot, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Blood Bank and the Faalul Khair Foundation, held a blood donation camp aimed at supporting children with Thalassemia. The event included blood donations and grouping from various students, highlighting the community’s active role in addressing this severe health challenge.
According to University of Poonch Rawalakot, the camp featured discussions led by prominent university figures including the Dean of the Faculty of Medical Health Sciences, Professor Dr. Shahid Iqbal Awan, and the Chairman of the Education Department, Dr. Jawad Zarif. Dr. Awan presented a performance report of the Faalul Khair Foundation and emphasized the increasing challenge of Thalassemia in Pakistan. He advocated for mandatory Thalassemia screening prior to marriage as a control strategy—a measure successfully implemented in several countries.
The event also stressed the importance of legislation regarding pre-marital blood screening to help prevent the spread of Thalassemia. Dr. Zarif echoed this sentiment, highlighting the role of higher education in extending learning beyond the classroom to practical community involvement. He noted that raising public awareness about Thalassemia and encouraging active participation in such health initiatives are critical responsibilities for students.
The blood donation camp not only served as a practical learning exercise for students but also as a crucial initiative to support children affected by Thalassemia, further reinforced by participation from children of Pakistan Sweet Home and representatives of Sweet Home, adding a significant communal aspect to the event.