Thalassemia tests before marriage vital to control disease: Amir Mir

LAHORE : Punjab Information and Culture Minister Amir Mir highlighted the importance of thalassemia tests before marriage to control the disease in children, advocating against continuous cousin marriages. He shared the progress in introducing a formal law to regulate cousin marriages in Punjab, following Sindh's lead.

The provincial minister shared these views during his visit to the Sundas Foundation on Saturday.

The minister inspected the laboratories of Sundas Foundation where President M Yasin briefed him on the blood transfusion facilities and donation collection mechanism. The minister also participated in a Christmas cake-cutting ceremony and distributed gifts among the children grappling with thalassemia.

Addressing the gathering, Amir Mir expressed his honour in sharing the Christmas joy with thalassemia-affected children, recognising the pain endured by both patients and their families.

Reflecting on Christmas, the provincial minister underscored the necessity of respecting diverse ideas to eradicate intolerance and violence. He commended the foundation's solidarity with the Christian community during Christmas as a prime example of interfaith harmony.

Emphasising the significance of timely blood administration, Mir lauded late Munnu Bhai for establishing the Sundas Foundation, providing free blood donations to patients for the past 26 years. ‘The foundation ensures blood requirements for thalassemia patients from newborns to 45 years old’.

Commending the foundation's management for their honesty in duties and efficient allocation of public donations, the minister highlighted Punjab government’s steadfast support for Sundas Foundation. Encouraging philanthropic engagement, Mir urged active participation in this commendable work.

Sundas Foundation President informed the minister that Sundas Foundation extends its services to over 10 cities, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Islamabad. Over seven thousand thalassemia patients are currently benefiting from the foundation's compassionate efforts, he informed.