Safe Blood Transfusion Program (SBTP) arranged a Seminar on importance of Voluntary Non-Remunerated Blood Donations (VNRBD) at the Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI). The seminar highlighted the need for safe blood through regular voluntary blood donations. The Chairman, Department of Biotechnology, IIU, Dr. M. Arshad Malik presented the social and religious aspects of blood donation. He said the dominant form of blood donation in Pakistan is a directed/replacement system. Complex sociocultural values influence from whom a recipient can receive blood. He explained the various and complex meanings embedded in blood using empirical ethnographic data from Pakistan. He also acknowledged the efforts of Prof. Hassan Abbas Zaheer, National Coordinator SBTP, in spreading awareness on the importance of voluntary donations and safe blood transfusions. Dr. Malik urged the IIUI students to donate blood regularly to ensure availability of safe and quality assured blood.
Prof. Zaheer, National Coordinator SBTP was the main speaker in the seminar. He addressed the students and sensitized them on strengthening of foundation of safe blood transfusion system, i.e. voluntary blood donation. He briefed about the goals and achievements of SBTP and its endeavors for establishing a new system based on national coordination and centralization. He briefed about the concept of Regional Blood Centres and Hospital Blood Banks and informed that very soon a modern blood centre will be established in Islamabad also and will supply blood and blood components to the whole city. A question and answer session was held at the end of his presentation where students were given an opportunity to clear any misconceptions and concerns they held with regards to donating blood. Prof. Zaheer called young students the pillars of the network of Regional Blood Centers being established by the Safe Blood Transfusion Programme.
Prof. Abdul Jaleel, President, Academic Staff Association (ASA) appreciated the role of SBTP in spreading awareness and giving hope to the patients and their relatives. The young generation was reminded of the message given by their last Prophet (P.B.U.H.) who contributed towards the betterment of society in his whole life and motivated everyone to do so. The Vice President of IIUI, Prof. Naveed Aqdas Malik delivered a very enlightening and motivational speech to the students. He encouraged the young generation in realizing their importance and understanding their role in the nation building. He appreciated the efforts of SBTP and encouraged students to donate voluntarily and make it a regular feature of their routine life.
Souvenirs and certificates were distributed among the speakers and students followed by refreshments.
