International Thalassemia Day observed   16th May,2013

To mark the 22nd International Thalassemia Day & World Red Cross Day, Punjab Thalassemics Welfare Society (PTWS) in collaboration with Departments of Pediatrics and Transfusion Medicine today jointly organized “14th  Annual Medicos Voluntary Blood Donation Camp” at DMCH

The camp got started with an inaugural function, which was graced by the presence of Chief Guest- Dr Avneet Kaur, Deputy Director, Department of Health Education & Nutrition, Govt. of Punjab. In her message to the audience, Dr Avneet Kaur lauded the efforts of orgnizers in organizing the volunatry blood donation camp.She said that the State Government has recently launched new scheme under NRHM, where the children suffering from congenital deformities will be given treatment to cure them from various ailments and among those children, thalassemics will be given a top-most preference.   

Secretary of DMCH Managing Society- Sh Prem Gupta, who was Guest of Honour,on the occasion, felicitaed various organizations and individuals for their tremendous contribution in voluntary donating the blood for thalassemic children. During the function, Zindagi Live Foundation was awarded ‘Novartis Trophy’ for donating 744 units of blood for thalssemic childrem’ 

Also present on the occasion were Mrs Rashmi Karwa, President, Punjab Thalassemic Welfare Society, Principal Dr Daljit Singh, Chief Cardiologist Dr GS Wander, Medical Supdt.Dr Sandeep Puri and Assistant Dean Acadmics- Dr Sandeep Kaushal. 250 units of blood were collected during the camp

Professor & Head of Transfusion Medicine- Dr Amarjit Kaur extended warm welcome to the dignitaries and donors present on the occasion. In her message, she urged all healthy people to voluntarily come forward to donate blood for the children diagnosed with thalassemia.

Professor of Pediatrics and In-charge of Thalassemia Unit -Dr. Praveen C. Sobti proposed a vote of thanks to those present on the occasion and acknowledged the contribution of various organizations and philanthrophists for promoting the cause of voluntary blood donation.She informed that Thalassemia Uunit at DMCH is presently catering to the need of 320 children, who are being given state-of- art treatment at this centre at highly subsidized charges. The faculty who donated blood on the occasion include Dr Sandeep Puri, Dr Poonam Singh, Dr Neena Sood, Dr Harpreet Puri, Dr Gautam Biswas, Dr Puneet A.Pooni, Dr Deepak Bhat and Dr Anu Sharma.