Pakistan inaugurated its first-ever Thalassemia mobile van in Karachi, aiming to provide convenient screening, treatment, and awareness for patients suffering from the genetic blood disorder. The initiative seeks to reach underserved communities across the city efficiently.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal described the rising number of Thalassemia patients as alarming, blaming negligence by both the government and the public. He stressed that mandatory premarital testing is essential to prevent the severe form of the disease.
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The minister explained that when two carriers of Thalassemia minor marry, there is a significant risk of having a child with Thalassemia major. He emphasized that although awareness exists, very few couples undergo screening before marriage.
Mustafa Kamal highlighted blood transfusions and bone marrow transplants as the primary treatments for Thalassemia. He noted that only one in 50,000 patients finds a compatible donor, and announced that pre-transplant approval processes have been simplified for timely care.
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The minister urged authorities to make Thalassemia screening mandatory for all prospective couples, emphasizing that early detection and preventive measures are vital to reduce the number of children born with the disease.
Addressing broader public health concerns, Kamal referenced challenges in vaccination campaigns, including polio, stressing that protecting children, especially those with Thalassemia, ultimately depends on parental responsibility and community awareness.