Responding to the request of Afzaal Memorial Thalassemia Foundation (AMTF), SSGC’s Corporate Communication Department, in collaboration with the Medical Services Department, organized a 2-day ‘Blood Collection Activity’ at its Karachi offices. These day-long camps were convened at the Head Office Medical Centre and the Karachi Terminal Medical Centre on August 1ST and 2ND, respectively.
AMTF’s diligent team of doctors and paramedics, led by Mr. Ashraf, conducted these camps with professional efficacy and alacrity. Director AMTF and a prominent CSR activist, Mr. Ateeq-ur-Rehman personally supervised these camps through frequent visits.
Although there was a substantial turnout of potential donors, strictly adhering to the basic standards spelled out for blood donors, which includes meeting a specific level of hemoglobin and weighing at least 110 lbs, not having undergone any injection in the past three months and not being a carrier of any blood transferrable disease such as HIV/AIDS, HTLV, or Hepatitis, many volunteers had to be sent back.
The enthusiasm of the employees was admirable as they eagerly wanted to help the needy children suffering from the deadly disease of thalassemia. It was heartening to see that despite their busy schedules, members of senior management also took out time to gift their blood which not only motivated the other executives and staff members but was highly appreciated by the AMTF team. These included Imran Farookhi, Dy. Managing Director (CS), Col. (R) Shoaib Ahmed, AGM (Admin Services), Dr. Munawar Hayat, Chief Medical Officer and Shahbaz Islam, AGM (Corporate Communications).
In order to motivate the employees and officers of SSGC and to propagate the activity, few days before the commencement of this event, banners and standees were placed at various spots, announcements were made on public address systems and an invitation mail was sent to all users in the Company. Through these collaterals, employees were made cognizant of the multiple benefits of regularly donating blood as it helps in lowering cancer risks, reduces cardiovascular risks, prevents liver damage, produces new blood cells, helps in weight loss and also balances the iron levels in the blood.
It may be noted that children suffering from Thalassemia need blood transfusion on a regular and frequent basis; for them blood supply is like a lifeline, which is only possible through voluntary blood donations. Every healthy person can donate blood 3-4 times a year, which is not only a noble cause that can save a precious human life but also brings along a host of health benefits for the donor.
Organizations rendering humanitarian services in this regard, such as AMTF, Fatmid, Omair Sana, Kashif Iqbal, Help International and others need a constant supply of blood to treat thalassemia patients free of cost, therefore we should try to do all we can to support them in meeting their targets in saving scores of lives.