Punjab Health Minister Dr. Yasmin Rashid said here on Friday that the province is conducting over 7000 daily thalassemia diagnostic tests and screening of over 300,000 families have been conducted so far. The Minister visited Fatmid Foundation in Johar Town. Director General Punjab Thalassemia & Genetic Disorders Research Institute Dr. Hussain Jaffery, Administrator Fatmid Foundation Col (retd) Iftikhar Hussain Naqvi, President Cosmopolitan Club Syed Iftikhar Bukhari and Rehan besides other officials were present on the occasion. Children getting thalassemia treatment at Fatmid Foundation presented bouquets and welcomed the Minister. Administrator Fatmid Foundation Col (retd) Syed Iftikhar Hussain Naqvi briefed the Minister about the details of free facilities at the institution. The Minister also joined session arranged for philanthropists of Fatmid Foundation. The Health Minister said, “Pakistan is the first country that started work on thalassemia in Pakistan. We worked hard to create awareness about thalassemia in Pakistan. We took five thalassemia patients to K2 base camp to draw the attention of the government. Ganga Ram Hospital Lahore is running the world's largest thalassemia program under Director General of Punjab Thalassemia and Genetic Disorders and Research Institute Dr. Hussain Jafri. So far screening of more than three lakh families has been completed in Punjab. More than 7,000 diagnostic tests for thalassemia are being conducted in Punjab on daily basis. The average age of the first thalassemia patient in Pakistan was 12 to 16 years. Today, Alhamdulillah, we are seeing marriages of thalassemia patients. The government gives a grant of Rs. 25 million to Fatmid Foundation. Naya Pakistan Qaumi Sehat Cards are also being provided to Thalassemia patients in Punjab. I pay tribute to the philanthropists who have helped the treatment of thalassemia patients in Pakistan. Philanthropists have always supported Pakistan in difficult times. I have not seen such selfless service from philanthropists in any country except Pakistan. Service to humanity is rewarded only by Almighty. Allah rewards those who serve humanity I appreciate doctors of Fatmid Foundation for serving the patients. The Government will continue to support Fatmid Foundation.” Director General, Punjab Thalassemia & Genetic Disorders and Research Institute Dr. Hussain Jafari said the government is bearing the cost of free treatment of all registered patients. He appreciated Fatmid Foundation for serving thalassemia patients. Administrator Fatmid Foundation Col (retd) Iftikhar Hussain Naqvi thanked the Health Minister for facilitating patients and encouraging the doctors. He said Dr. Yasmin Rashid is a role model for every Pakistani.
