Thalassemia can be prevented through premarital blood test

Rajshahi Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (RCHRC) in collaboration with the Acme Laboratories organised the seminar on thalassemia in the hospital conference hall here on Thursday.

Dr Belal Uddin and Dr Imdadul Haque, assistant professors of Pediatrics of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH), presented two separate keynote papers elaborating definition, class and causes of the disease along with its prevention and treatment.

With Professor HM Haidary of the Pediatrics Department of RMCH in the chair, the seminar was addressed by Vice-President of RCHRC Dr Shamsul Alam, Medical Officer of Acme Laboratories Dr Masum Azad and Training Coordinator of ICDDRB Dr Samina Sultana.

General Secretary of RCHRC Dr Patric Bipul Bishwas described the activities of the hospital along with the objectives of the seminar in his welcome address.

The speakers said thalassemia can be prevented through awareness buildup among general masses.

Terming the disease as inheriting, the discussants said premarital blood test is essential to prevent the disease. Blood counseling is also essential to create awareness in this regard.

They also said thalassemia patients can be recovered, provided they get the right treatment.

More than 70 doctors, including medical practitioners and cancer specialists, attended the seminar.