KARACHI: A health awareness seminar marking World Blood Donors Day was organized at Federation House under the platform of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) by Dr. Zahid Hasan Ansari, Chairman of the FPCCI Central Standing Committee on Medical and Health Sciences.
The seminar was led by Dr. Zahid Hasan Ansari, former Secretary of SBTA and Member of the Chief Minister's Advisory Council for DEPD, Government of Sindh. The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation, support for thalassemia and hemophilia patients, and the need for greater public participation in blood donation campaigns.
Member of the Sindh Assembly Muhammad Asif Moosa attended the seminar as chief guest and highlighted the importance of promoting blood donation awareness to meet the growing needs of patients across the country.
Prominent health experts and stakeholders addressed the gathering, including Dr. Javed Kaim, Project Director of Burhani Blood Bank, Burhani Blood Bank President Farasdak Minwalla, Chief Executive Officer of Hemophilia Society Karachi Raheel Ahmed, Dr. Atif Saeed Anjum of NICH, Dr. Nausheen Butt of SIUT, President CPA Aliya Batool, and Ateeq ur Rehman of AMTF.
The speakers stressed the need for continuous awareness campaigns regarding voluntary blood donation and emphasized the implementation of the existing thalassemia prevention law passed by the Sindh Assembly. They noted that thalassemia and hemophilia patients require regular blood transfusions throughout the year, making voluntary blood donation a vital public service.
Addressing the seminar, FPCCI Vice President Asif Sakhi praised the efforts of Dr. Zahid Hasan Ansari in promoting health awareness initiatives and supporting public health causes through FPCCI's platform.
The speakers shared insights on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of blood disorders, particularly thalassemia and hemophilia, highlighting the importance of early detection, proper treatment, and community support. They also underscored the need to expand awareness programs to underprivileged and rural communities where access to information and healthcare services remains limited.
During the event, certificates were awarded to individuals who have donated blood more than 100 times in their lifetime in recognition of their exceptional contribution to saving lives. Shields, bouquets, and certificates of appreciation were also presented to distinguished philanthropists, health professionals, and keynote speakers for their services to public health and community welfare.
The seminar was attended by members of FPCCI standing committees, doctors, industrialists, philanthropists, NGO representatives, medical professionals, blood donors, and representatives of thalassemia and hemophilia centers. Children affected by thalassemia were also present, highlighting the importance of sustained support and awareness efforts.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Zahid Hasan Ansari thanked all participants, speakers, and attendees for their support and reaffirmed FPCCI's commitment to promoting health awareness, supporting national health initiatives, and encouraging voluntary blood donation across Pakistan.
