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International
Thalassaemia Day 2010 |
A grand reception was organized on 8th May 2010 at “Thalassaemia House” Tipu Road Rawalpindi, to celebrate the International Thalassaemia Day. The get-together included over 250 patients and parents along with the local elite, medical community and social workers.
Mr. Zamurad Khan Managing Director Pakistan Bait –ul- Mal kindly participated as the chief guest. Dr. Khalif Bile Mohamud, the WHO representative, was prominent amongst the speakers which included Brig® Nadra Sultana, Dr. Jamal Nasir, Dr. Abdul Qayyum Awan, Mr. Murtaza Burhani, and Dr. Irum Bano (Representative of Highnoon Lab Lahore). In addition impressive talks were delivered by young Thalassaemia patients, Raheel Arshad, Waseem, and Faizan on their experience and resolve to fight the disease and grow up as useful members of the community.
Lt. Gen® Fahim Ahmed Khan, after a brief welcome address, presented the activities of the society during the past year, where over 500 patients are getting regular transfusion and chelation treatment in addition to the advisory center engaged in preventive counselling. During the year nearly 6000 pints of blood and 9000 vials of Desferal were used, mostly on gratis basis for patients from low income group.
Young Thalassaemia Patients recited verses from the Holy Quran, Naats, Mili Naghma and presented a Tabelue, which were highly appreciated by the audience. This clearly shows a complete shift in the life style of these patients, who previously condemning themselves as a burden on the parents and society, are now full of enthusiasm to fight the disease and become useful member of the community.
Mr. Zamurad Khan, the chief guest, praised and appreciated the activities of the society and kindly offered to become an Honorary Member of its Executive Committee and partake in its activities. He was kind to announce the following welfare grants for the patients.
(A) Complete educational expenses in the institution of their choice including school fee, books and uniform.
(B) A grant of Rs. 3000 per month to younger patients who are not yet ready to join a school.
(C) Full medical expenses if hospital admission was required by any patient.
(D) Free issue of wheeled chairs as required.
(E) Award of a Gold Medal to all donors who have donated more than 50 pints of blood.
The announcement was gratefully received by the patients and parents who are looking forward for a happy and organized future. Each patient was offered a useful gift and the special performances were identified by presentation of society’s crest. Six deserving patients were presented infusion pumps for their Desferal Injection.
The presence of Lt. Gen® Kamal Akbar and Mr. Murtaza Burhani who had donated blood 104 and 102 times and were in perfect health was highly appreciated and served as an impetus for the youngsters to follow their examples.
Memorable Shields were presented to the chief guest and Dr. Khalif Bile Mohamud. Important medical and social workers and participants were also awarded society’s shields for their activities to control the disease.
The function ended with a sumptuous lunch and a resolve to continue their efforts for the welfare of the patients and to achieve their aim “Thalassaemia Free Pakistan”. |
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