KARACHI: Azra Fazal Pechuho, Sindh's Minister for Health and Population Welfare, stated that voluntary blood donations should be encouraged to uplift the community.

She expressed her sentiments during a seminar conducted by Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority (SBTA) at the Arts Council of Pakistan in conjunction with World Blood Donor Day.

Blood Donations in Sindh

On this occasion, Qasim Siraj Soomro, the Parliamentary Secretary for Health, and Dr Dur-e-Naz, the Head of the Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority, were also present.

The lecture illuminated the frequent causes and forms of blood problems instances in the Pakistani community. Cousin marriages, which are prevalent in the country, are one of the leading sources of blood disorders like haemophilia.

Several speakers emphasised the significance of voluntary blood donors and stated that the majority of blood donations occur amongst family members, indicating a lack of variety in terms of blood donations.

Through verbal and medical screening, one may ensure that all blood donations are safe and dependable for patients in need.

Another problem that can be averted with screening is thalassemia.

Azra Fazal Pechuho noted that the younger population should be encouraged to donate blood because it is replaced by the body and can aid trauma sufferers and those requiring blood transfusions.

The Minister further stated that as a nation, we should consider it a part of our human obligation to not only donate blood but also to volunteer as organ donors so that others can continue to benefit from us even after we are gone. 

Azra Pechuho stated that she had urged her entire department to give organs and blood regularly. She is an organ donor as well.

Dr Dur-e-Naz, the head of the Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority, stated that voluntary blood donation has increased in the province of Sindh during the past several years. In the past, seven to eight per cent of women donated blood voluntarily, but that number has risen to thirteen per cent now.