Dow Institute of Haematology & Transfusion Medicine, a constituent institution of Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) in collaboration with National Blood Transfusion Program and with technical assistance of GTZ Health Program, Pakistan arranged a One-day Workshop at its Ojha Campus. It was titled Blood Transfusion Services in Pakistan, Educational & Training Plan.
The National Programme Manager, National Blood Transfusion Program Dr. Hasan Abbas Zaheer on the occasion said that according to WHO Safe Blood Transfusion is a universal human right and provision of safe blood and blood components is the responsibility of the national health care system. Blood transfusion has been identified as a key life-saving function. Only 45% of the 81 million units of blood collected annually are from the developing world, where 80% of the world’s population live.
He further revealed that around 1.5 million units of blood are transfused annually whereas only 50 % of the 1.5 million blood bags are screened. In developing countries, up to 150,000 pregnancy-related deaths can be avoided through safe blood transfusions. Unsafe blood transfusion remains a major but frequently neglected contributor to the global spread of HIV and Hepatitis B & C
WHO Blood Transfusion safety team Recommendation says that the establishment of sustainable national blood programmes that can ensure the provision of safe, high quality blood and blood products that are accessible to all patients requiring transfusion and their safe and appropriate use.
The present ‘Fragmented Blood Transfusion System’ in Pakistan is not geared to meet the demands of the nation. And this system cannot be reformed or strengthened, as it promotes unsafe blood transfusion.
Fragmented blood transfusion system and Poor regulation of blood are the main factors responsible for the poor Blood Transfusion Services in Pakistan. There is need to identify the establishment of a consolidated ‘National Blood Transfusion Service’ in Pakistan as recommended in the international guidelines and by WHO.
Prof. Dr. Masood Hameed Khan speaking on the occasion announced that DUHS would soon launch Masters of Science in Blood Transfusion & Tissue Transplantation Medicine aiming to provide a broad knowledge of Transfusion Blood Banking & Tissue (Bone Marrow) Transplantation medicine. It is three years program and is aligned with the Health Service requirements for career progression for pathologists and other healthcare professionals working in the field of Blood Banking & Tissue Transplantation.
The healthcare scientist’s role is becoming increasingly complex. Leaders of the future will require an in-depth understanding of the science, regulations and international practices in the fields of Blood Transfusion services.
The DUHS with a sound Blood Transfusion Services can excel in MS in not only in Blood Transfusion Medicine but serve as a backbone in variety of Research and Development Projects and assist in all already running programs like the BS Clinical Pathology and Executive Diploma in Blood Transfusion.
The DUHS is being considered as a Hallmark for its academic performance and good repute. Blood Transfusion Services at the provincial and federal level are in need for collaboration with the DUHS for a better management, monitoring, evaluation and teaching / training activities.
Dr. M. Akber Agha briefing the participants about the Dow Diagnostic Complex said that it is the cornerstone. It plays a pivotal role not only in the, Monitoring, Screening Diagnosis and evaluation of health related activities but also is a hub for Research & Development at the National and International level.
The Haematology Section of DDRRL is presently catering the routine Haematology services from CBC Profile to Trephine biopsy with tumour markers. In addition it is conducting a well established Postgraduate Program of MPhil. leading to PhD in Haematology under the domain of “The Institute of Basic Medical Sciences” DUHS. Students enrolled as for MPhil. leading to PhD. Haematology. The is also candidate enrolled for PhD. Haematology.
Others who spoke on the occasion included Dr. Zainab Sanghi from National Blood Transfusion Program, Mr. Paul from GTZ Health Program.
The Workshop concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Saleem Ilyas of DUHS and there was shield distribution amongst the speakers.