700 Thalassemia patients at risk after closure of blood center in Quetta
Health Desk :
The lives of 700 Thalassemia patients are at risk after the closure of the blood donation center in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province. Minor children suffering from Thalassemia and their parents staged a protest demonstration outside Quetta Press Club against the closure.
“My life is at risk”, Muhammad Waseem, a minor boy laments during the protest. Thalassemia patients need blood once or twice a month. The protesters had carried placards and banners demanding restoration of the center.
Fatimid Foundation was providing blood donation for 15 years
Fatimid Foundation located in the Kidney hospital was the only source of blood donation for thalassemia patients. The foundation was providing blood donations to patients for the last 15 years.
“There is no arrangement of blood donation for our children”, Muhammad Usman, one of the protesting parents said. He said, “my son is suffering from Thalassemia and I am concerned about the closure of the center”.
The protesting parents and the administration accused the hospital administration of closure of the kidney center. The charge vehemently denied by the hospital chief.
“Hospital’s doors open for every patient”, Dr. Kareem Zarkoon
“You can come and see our doors are open”, Dr. Kareem Zarkoon, the Chief of Balochistan Institute of Nephrology said. “We are providing blood donation to 150 Thalassemia patients everyday”, Dr. Zarkoon mentioned.
However, Asadullah, the Administrator of the Fatimid Foundation claimed that the hospital administration has closed doors for patients. He said the foundation was providing blood and Rs. 10,000 free medicines to children.
Fatimid Foundation established during General (R) Pervez Musharraf government
The Fatimid Foundation established during the former President General (R) Pervez Musharraf era. Former Interior Minister Moin Uddin Haider had played a crucial role in the establishment of the center. The Balochistan High Court (BHC) had handed over the administrative control of the center to the health department government of Balochistan in 2015.
700 Thalassemia patients at risk after closure of blood center in Quetta
