Thalassemia Awareness Helps in Treatment:

District-level awareness seminar held in Hoshiarpur
Hoshiarpur/ Daljeet Ajnoha/May 11 : : On the directions of the Punjab Health Department and Civil Surgeon Dr. Mandeep Kaur, awareness seminars on World Thalassemia Day were organized across the district under the IEC activities led by District Immunization Officer Dr. Seema Garg.
A district-level seminar was held at the Civil Hospital in collaboration with Vardhman Yarn and Threads Ltd., where Punjab Health Systems Corporation, Chandigarh Director Dr. S.J. Singh attended as the chief guest. General medical information about thalassemia and its hereditary nature aligns with standard medical references on the disease
At the event, Dr. S.J. Singh said this year’s theme is: “Now or Never: Finding the Unseen Patients and Supporting the Unreached.” He said the theme aims to identify undiagnosed cases at an early stage, strengthen screening, raise awareness and provide better treatment and support to patients. The importance of awareness, screening and timely care is also emphasized in public health material on thalassemia
He said the main purpose of the day is to share knowledge about thalassemia, exchange information and provide quality education on the disease. He added that awareness is the biggest support in treatment, but public awareness remains low, causing many children to suffer unknowingly. He urged people to spread more information about the disease so that newborns can be protected from this serious condition.
District Immunization Officer Dr. Seema Garg said the health department is also encouraging blood donation through its activities so that thalassemia patients can receive blood on time. She said that if treatment begins early, children with thalassemia can lead normal and better lives. Standard medical sources note that regular transfusion and monitoring are central to managing thalassemia major
Pediatrician Dr. Harnoorjit Kaur said thalassemia is a genetic disorder in which the body produces much less blood than normal. Such children need regular blood transfusions to live a normal life. She said the condition is passed from parents to children through generations. Medical references describe thalassemia as an inherited blood disorder affecting hemoglobin production
She added that a child may initially appear normal, but with age, anemia begins to develop. She said awareness and correct information can help prevent the disease, and appealed to people to join blood donation drives to help needy children and other patients. Symptoms such as poor growth, loss of appetite, pale skin and bone abnormalities are commonly associated with thalassemia
Awareness posters prepared by nursing students were also presented on the occasion. Children battling thalassemia took part in creative activities, including a drawing competition, and shared their dreams for the future. They also enjoyed fun activities, while Vardhman Group arranged refreshments for the children and their parents.