Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in her special message on World Thalassaemia Day, paid tribute to blood donors supporting children suffering from thalassaemia and expressed solidarity with patients and their families.
She emphasized the importance of timely diagnosis and preventive measures to combat thalassaemia, stating that pre-marital blood screening could play a vital role in preventing the disease, while regular blood donations could help save the lives of affected children.
Maryam Nawaz said that creating public awareness regarding prevention, early diagnosis and proper treatment of thalassaemia was essential. She added that the Punjab government was taking significant and revolutionary measures for the prevention and treatment of the disease across the province.
The chief minister said that the “Punjab Thalassaemia Prevention Act 2025” had been passed by the Punjab Assembly to help prevent the spread of the disease. She further stated that thalassaemia screening had been made mandatory for students at the time of admission to educational institutions.
She also highlighted that bone marrow transplant treatment was being provided free of cost to children suffering from thalassaemia under the Punjab government’s healthcare initiatives.
CM Maryam Nawaz appealed for a comprehensive awareness campaign on thalassaemia and reiterated the Punjab government’s commitment to extending full support to patients and their families.
Separately, Maryam Nawaz on Friday paid tribute to volunteers and all stakeholders associated with the Red Crescent movement on the occasion of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day.
In her message, the chief minister congratulated partners of the humanitarian movement across Pakistan and the world for their selfless services.
She said this year’s theme, “United in Humanity”, encouraged people towards unity and reaffirmed faith in humanity. “The theme highlights the enduring importance of compassion, empathy and solidarity,” she added.
Maryam Nawaz said organisations like the Pakistan Red Crescent Society played an important role during climate change-related emergencies and natural disasters.
She said the government was committed to establishing a strong, organised and comprehensive system for resolving public issues, adding that practical measures were being taken to ensure protection of vulnerable segments of society.
The chief minister said social volunteers were playing a key frontline role in the service of humanity and reaffirmed the resolve to work for building a safe and strong Pakistan.