Punjab govt orders strict monitoring of blood banks, strengthens anti-Thalassemia measures

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Mar, 2026) The Punjab government has decided to strengthen monitoring of blood banks across the province as part of its efforts to ensure safe blood for all citizens.

The decision was taken during a meeting held at the Punjab Health Initiative Management Company (PHIMC) on Thursday, which was chaired by Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique. The minister directed the concerned authorities to tighten oversight mechanisms for blood banks to improve safety standards.

Addressing the meeting, Khawaja Salman Rafique said that the capacity of the Punjab Blood Transfusion Authority and the Institute of Blood Transfusion Services is being enhanced to meet growing healthcare needs. He added that key challenges related to the prevention of thalassemia in Punjab were reviewed, along with future strategies to tackle the disease.

Officials informed the meeting that a total of 430,569 individuals have been screened so far, while 390,080 people have received genetic counseling. The government plans to expand screening for beta thalassemia carriers across Punjab in order to reduce the number of new thalassemia major cases.

The minister emphasized that these measures would help lower the economic and social burden of the disease on society and the state. He further said that efforts are also being made to ease pressure on the blood transfusion system and reduce child mortality rates.

Highlighting the importance of awareness, he noted that public education, family-level screening and genetic counseling are critical components of the strategy. He reiterated that the Punjab government is implementing a comprehensive and sustainable plan to eliminate thalassemia.

Parliamentary Secretary Syed Ziaullah Shah, Additional Secretary Technical Dr Hafiz Muhammad Waseem, Deputy Secretary Technical Dr Abdul Rehman, Director Institute of Blood Transfusion Services Dr Farhan, Incharge Provincial Thalassemia Program Dr Masooma, and Dr Rabia from the Punjab Blood Transfusion Authority also attended the meeting.