Coinciding with World Thalassemia Day, the Ministry of Public Health in a program said that 4,500 patients suffering from this disease are registered in the country.
Qalandar Ebad, the acting Minister of Public Health, spoke about efforts to establish diagnostic and treatment centers for thalassemia patients in the country, and added that services for the treatment of thalassemia patients are currently being provided in the country.
Ebad added: "We are striving to establish a well-equipped laboratory that can diagnose promptly and a fully-equipped center for thalassemia within Afghanistan, and we have discussed this matter with many individuals."
Deputy Minister of Public Health Abdul Wali Haqqani, who was present at this program, said: "To treat and ensure the health of thalassemia patients, we have dedicated our efforts and attention to their convenience and comfort."
Meanwhile, Ahmad Siyar Pasoon, head of the medical treatment at the Ministry of Public Health, also asked international aid organizations and traders to cooperate in the treatment of thalassemia patients during this program.
"We ask global institutions, national and international organizations, charitable bodies, and our national merchants to collaborate hand in hand with the Ministry of Public Health in this sector, so that the diagnosis and treatment of these patients can be carried out promptly," said Ahmad Siyar Pasoon, head of medical treatment at the Ministry of Public Health.
Some thalassemia patients told TOLOnews that they cannot afford the treatment for their disease.
Bakhtyar, a 13-year-old who needs a blood transfusion every month, said: "I will need a blood transfusion in a month. There must be a specific hospital for us to go to. My blood type is B+, which is easily available, but it is difficult to find for those who have negative blood types."
"We are grateful to those who have donated blood to us so far. We also request others to assist us in the medical and treatment sector," said Mohammad, another patient.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Public Health, 4,500 thalassemia patients are registered with this ministry, 1,700 of whom are in Nangarhar Province.
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