MIRPURKHAS: The Hemophilia Welfare Society Karachi (HWSK), with the support of Roche Pakistan and in collaboration with the Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority (SBTA), Sindh Health Department, has launched a five-district Hemophilia Outreach and Awareness Initiative, conducting its first awareness seminar at the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, Mirpurkhas.
The initiative aims to address the lack of awareness about hemophilia and other bleeding disorders in underserved and remote districts of Sindh, promote early diagnosis, introduce modern treatment and patient management approaches among government healthcare professionals, and strengthen referral mechanisms to ensure timely access to specialized medical care.
The seminar marked the first milestone in HWSK's planned outreach programme covering five districts of Sindh. Through collaboration with the Sindh Health Department, SBTA, government hospitals, healthcare professionals and development partners, the Society seeks to improve awareness, facilitate early identification of suspected cases and strengthen district-level healthcare services for patients with bleeding disorders.
Secretary Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority Dr. Dur-e-Naz Jamal attended the seminar as chief guest. Addressing the participants, she reaffirmed SBTA's commitment to supporting people living with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders and appreciated HWSK's efforts to extend awareness and healthcare assistance to underserved communities.
Medical Superintendent DHQ Hospital Mirpurkhas Dr. Hemji Chauhan assured the Society of the hospital administration's full cooperation and expressed commitment to facilitating patients suffering from bleeding disorders through available healthcare facilities.
During the technical sessions, Dr. Nida Khurshid delivered a presentation on hemophilia and other bleeding disorders, while Dr. Hiba Qureshi highlighted patient registration, the objectives of HWSK and the healthcare services available through the Society.
Dr. Arshi Naz discussed the importance of timely diagnosis and prevention of complications, while Dr. Kaleem Khan addressed hemophilia management and dental care for patients with bleeding disorders.
The sessions particularly focused on enhancing the knowledge and professional capacity of doctors and medical staff working in government hospitals regarding contemporary approaches to the diagnosis, treatment and management of bleeding disorders.
Addressing the seminar, HWSK Founder and Chief Executive Officer Raheel Ahmed Khan said that people living with hemophilia in remote districts face serious healthcare challenges due to limited awareness, delayed diagnosis and inadequate access to specialized treatment facilities.
Sharing his personal experience as a person living with hemophilia, he highlighted the difficulties faced by patients and their families, particularly parents struggling to arrange appropriate medical treatment for their children.
He emphasized that the Society was determined to expand its awareness campaigns, healthcare support and institutional partnerships beyond Karachi to reach communities where specialized services remain limited.
"Our journey from Karachi to Mirpurkhas, covering hundreds of kilometres, reflects our determination to reach underserved populations and strengthen the healthcare response to bleeding disorders across Sindh," he said.
Raheel Ahmed Khan also appealed to patients, parents and supporters to pray for the success of the initiative and continue supporting collective efforts to improve the lives of people affected by hemophilia.
HWSK Community Focal Person for District Mirpurkhas Dr. Doongar Sham, Patron HWSK Anis-ur-Rehman, Secretary General HWSK Rana Asghar Ali and members of the Society's delegation from Karachi also attended the seminar.
The Hemophilia Welfare Society Karachi expressed appreciation to Roche Pakistan for supporting the initiative, SBTA Secretary Dr. Dur-e-Naz Jamal for her continued cooperation, the administration of DHQ Hospital Mirpurkhas, participating healthcare professionals and other stakeholders for contributing to the successful organisation of the programme.
The Society reiterated its commitment to expanding the five-district outreach initiative to improve early diagnosis, patient registration, medical referrals and access to comprehensive healthcare services for people living with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders across Sindh.
