Pakistan has launched its first one-year Postgraduate Diploma Programme in Thalassemia through a joint initiative involving Bahria University of Health Sciences Karachi, Saylani Welfare International Trust and the Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority.
The two-semester programme is designed to train healthcare professionals in thalassemia management and prevention. Students will receive academic education at Bahria University of Health Sciences and clinical training at the Saylani Blood Bank & Thalassemia Center.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Secretary of the Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority Dr Durr-e-Naz Jamal highlighted the importance of public awareness, trained doctors and skilled healthcare professionals in preventing thalassemia. She described the diploma as an important initiative and expressed hope that it would provide greater support to children and families affected by the inherited blood disorder.
Dr Jamal also called for the programme to gain international recognition and noted that artificial intelligence (AI) could help improve its effectiveness. She also expressed concern over limited cooperation from NADRA Mega Centers in promoting awareness about premarital screening.
Director General Bahria University of Health Sciences Karachi Vice Admiral Athar Mukhtar (retd) welcomed the initiative, saying the programme could develop into a broader movement against thalassemia. He stressed the importance of coordinated efforts to reduce the disease burden and protect future generations.
Dean Health Sciences Prof Dr Shazia Shakoor and Principal Bahria University of Health Sciences Prof Dr Mehreen Latif outlined the programme’s objectives and academic structure. They expressed confidence that the one-year course would produce highly trained professionals specializing in thalassemia care and prevention.
Dr Ghulam Sarwar, Director of Saylani Blood Bank & Thalassemia Center, highlighted the growing health challenge posed by the disease, stating that around 10,000 new thalassemia cases are reported annually. He thanked Bahria University and the Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority for supporting the programme and acknowledged Saylani founder and chairman Maulana Bashir Farooq Qadri’s continued commitment to thalassemia prevention.
The inauguration was also attended by Bahria University faculty members, healthcare professionals and representatives from various blood banks and healthcare institutions. Video messages from the heads of Hussaini Blood Bank, Muhammadi Blood Bank and Kashif Iqbal Blood Bank & Thalassemia Center welcomed the launch of the postgraduate diploma.
The new programme marks a significant step toward developing specialized healthcare expertise in thalassemia prevention, diagnosis and management and strengthening Pakistan’s capacity to address the long-term impact of the disease.
