Govt urged to take immediate steps to prevent the disease

Experts urged the government on Wednesday to immediately take necessary steps to prevent Thalassemia disease and help the suffering patients.
On the eve of World Thalassemia Day to be observed today (Thursday) in Bangladesh and across the world, they emphasised on coordinated efforts both by the government and non- governmental organisations to fight this disease.
The meeting organised by Bangladesh Thalassemia Samity (BTS) and supported by Novartis, Style Craft and Medicine Club was held in the city on Wednesday.
Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor was the chief guest at the meeting. He stressed the need for creating mass awareness among the people and providing necessary support to the patients.
National professor MR Khan, Syed Didar Bakht, former state minister and advisor of the BTS and its secretary general Dr. Zahidul Islam attended the meeting as special guests.
Professor MR Khan said the government should conduct a survey across the country to identify and ascertain the number of Thalassemia patients.
He said awareness must be created among the people about blood transfusion as in many cases the patients use blood without screening which is dangerous for them.
BTS advisor Syed Didar Bakht said at the initiative and hard work of the BTS a genetic laboratory has been established at the BSSMU.