Standard of blood transfusion services in region varies from country to country. Reasons for differential quality standard is the lack of development programs to obtain advanced training to improve quality standards in day to day operations. There is need for enhancement of quality in blood transfusion services in the Asian region. These views were expressed by Dr. Farrukh Hasan, Council Member & Vice President of Asian Association of Transfusion Medicine (AATM), Dr. Hasan Abbas Zaheer, Director, Safe Blood Transfusion Pakistan and Dr. Anwar of JPMC at a press briefing held in Karachi Press Club.
They further informed that AATM is a manifestation of the determination comprising leading specialists in Transfusion Medicine from Asian countries to work together towards finding solutions to their common problems. The primary objective of the Association is to accelerate the scientific progress and common standard in Blood Transfusion Services in member states in the Asian region. It is recognized by all major organizations of the world working in transfusion medicine. The primary objective of the Association is to establish inter-organizational relationship among various scientific Associations, to initiate a close liaison with International agencies and to keep abreast with recent development for AATM members and workers in Blood Transfusion Services of member countries.
They were of the views that AATM has proposed the creation of a Fellowship program for the benefit of doctors and technologists and regular CMEs in member countries as well as working collaborations and trans-national technical assistance. An international conference is held in one of the member countries each year. AATM and Safe Blood Transfusion Pakistan (SBTP) have agreed to partner in hosting the 11th International Conference in Islamabad to improve awareness and to abreast local experts with latest development in the region. The two organizations have also agreed to sign a MoU which binds them to hold the International Conference as partners and extend to each other maximum support to make the event a great success.
AATM will also provide a common platform for doctors in the public and private sectors
CMEs will be held at least twice a year to impart hands on training and AATM international will be asked to assist in this regard with International trainers whenever possible.
AATM will support financially the CME conducted by SBTP and arrange for EQUAS for quality control free of cost.