SARGODHA: The University of Sargodha recently conducted an awareness seminar, walk, and free premarital screening camp to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and prevention of thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder. The initiative was part of ongoing activities following World Thalassemia Day.

According to University of Sargodha, the event was organized by the Department of Allied Health Sciences and the Blood Donor Society in collaboration with the Punjab Thalassemia and other Genetic Disorders Prevention and Research Institute, Sargodha Region. The theme was "Hidden No More: Finding the Undiagnosed, Supporting the Unseen."

A walk, led by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Usman Minhas, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, saw participation from students, faculty members, health professionals, and volunteers from the Blood Donor Society. SP Investigation Imran Abbas Chadhar attended as the guest of honor.

During the seminar, speakers emphasized the need for premarital screening and awareness to combat the spread of thalassemia in Pakistan. Dr. Muhammad Riaz, Chairman of the Department of Allied Health Sciences, encouraged students to undergo screening before marriage, while Prof. Dr. Khawaja Muhammad Arshad from Sargodha Medical College discussed the causes, diagnosis, and prevention of the disease.

PTGD regional head Muneeb Rahmat highlighted the Punjab government's provision of free diagnostic and preventive services, noting that thalassemia could largely be prevented through simple blood tests before marriage. A free screening camp was also held for students and participants.