RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: Executive Director of Afzaal Memorial Thalassemia Foundation (AMTF), Ateeq Ur Rehman has said that there is an urgent need to devise plan for overcoming shortage of blood in hospitals and blood banks of the city especially during Ramazan for Thalassemic children.

He said in Ramazan we experience paucity of blood hence it is very difficult to meet requirements of our Thalassemic Children who are always in dire need of Blood for their survival.

I failed to understand as to why people hesitate to donate blood in Ramadan. AMTF will struggle more aggressively for collection of Blood Donations prior to Ramadan in order to create handful stock at AMTF Blood Bank in Ramadan, he said.

Ateeq has appealed to the people to donate blood for children suffering from Thalassemia.

He said that blood transfusion is a lifelong process for Thalassemic Children therefore nonstop availability of fresh and healthy blood is an everyday challenge for the AMTF.

Unfortunately, in Pakistan, due to insufficient knowledge among people regarding benefits of blood donation including the person donating blood and its importance for the society.

My Karachi, KCCI’s mega event hosted many NGO’s including AMTF which amazingly boosted common man’s interest and knowledge for the necessity of “Blood being Screened and Donated”.

AMTF Team was instrumental in convincing people, informing them for the importance of blood screening before marriage thus to save them from the havoc of this deadly disease Thalassemia. Hundred and scores of people got their blood screened at AMTF stall at My Karachi event without any charges. This is a noble example of encouraging people for blood donations.

Ateeq said that May 8th is the World Thalassemia Day, we at AMTF are planning to celebrate this day by great enthusiasm and dedication.

The administration of EFU Life on that date like in past have come forward to support AMTF with a whole day Blood Donation Drive at their premises to further strengthen the importance of Thalassemia Day. We, in fact and in return are thankful to them for their great understanding to the Thalassemia cause. This act is a great example of motivating people to donate blood.