On the occasion of World Hemophilia Day, the Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Sayed Imran Ahmed Shah, visited the Thalassemia Centre jointly operated by Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal and Sundas Foundation in Islamabad. During the visit, he interacted with thalassemia and hemophilia patients, including young children, and later addressed a gathering of stakeholders and attendees. In his speech, the Federal Minister reiterated the Government of Pakistan’s clear and steadfast commitment to combating inherited blood disorders such as hemophilia and thalassemia. He emphasized that the government, in collaboration with welfare organizations, is taking concrete steps to address these challenges and strengthen healthcare support. Highlighting the partnership between Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal and Sundas Foundation, the Minister described it as a model worthy of replication. He praised the Islamabad Centre for offering not only free medical care but also educational support, training, and travel assistance to hundreds of patients. He expressed his delight at visiting the centre, recalling that it was inaugurated by the late Begum Kulsoom Nawaz, whose efforts reflected the government's longstanding dedication to public health. Sayed Imran Shah proposed that a modern thalassemia centre be established in the Sahiwal Teaching Hospital through a public-private partnership, in consultation with hospital management, so that this successful model can be expanded to other cities across Pakistan. The Minister shared that over the past five years, Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal has provided Rs. 637.7 million in financial aid to 3,228 thalassemia patients, along with significant support for hemophilia and blood cancer patients. He pledged to personally visit other regional centres to stay informed of patients’ needs and challenges. The Minister stressed that eliminating blood disorders requires more than just medical facilities — it demands nationwide awareness, scientific research, and institutional cooperation. He commended Sundas Foundation for its dedicated services and reaffirmed that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Ministry will utilize all possible resources to advance this vital public health mission. He also underlined the importance of raising awareness about these diseases, calling upon media, parliamentarians, and civil society to play an active role in educating the public and promoting early diagnosis and treatment. Concluding his speech, the Federal Minister stated: "Today, we must pledge to intensify our collective efforts to fight diseases like hemophilia that threaten the future of our children. This is not just a matter of welfare—it is a matter of national survival."
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