Ramallah| Friends of Thalassemia Patients organizes a workshop for partner institutions.

As a part of the events of the International Solidarity with Thalassemia Patients, and with the support of Birzeit Pharmaceutical Company, the Thalassemia Patients Friends Society (TPFS) organized on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, a workshop entitled Including Thalassemia Issues in Partner Institutions Programs. In the presence of a representative of the Ministry of Health and the Office of the Chief Justice.

This workshop, which was attended by over 25 governmental and private institutions, comes within the framework of reactivating Thalassemia issues at various levels of Palestinian society because of its importance in providing health and community services to Thalassemia patients, especially young people who are suffering from the health and economic consequences of the disease.

At the beginning of his speech at the opening of the workshop, Dr. Bashar al-Karmi, President of the Society, presented an overview of the latest statistics for Thalassemia Patients in Palestine and emphasised the new challenges facing young patients in economic and social issues as well as health complications. He appreciated the role of the partner institutions in reaching the achievements recorded at the national and regional levels, as he thanked Birzeit Pharmaceutical Company for its permanent role in supporting Thalassemia issues.

In turn, Dr. Mahhdi Rashid, represented by His Excellency Minister of Health Dr. May Elkila, refers to the leading role played by Society and transfers greetings of Her Excellency, pointing to the strategic partnership for the benefit of patients and the development of health services for patients.

On behalf of His Eminence the Chief Justice Sheikh Mahmoud Al-Habbash, the Chief Justice of Palestine, His Eminence Sharia Judge Abdullah Harb, the Head of the Judicial Inspection Department of the Chief Justice’s Office, outlined the historical sequence of the premarital medical examination decision, which had the greatest impact in reducing the incidence of new cases of Thalassemia. He also presented several cases in which there were violations or non-compliance. He explained that the Diwan does not tolerate such cases.

Representing the Youth Council for Thalassemia Patients, colleague Ihab Mardawi delivered a speech on behalf of the patients, urging all civil and governmental institutions to play their role in addressing the growing needs of young patients, particularly in terms of employment, job opportunities, and social integration.

As a distinguished partnership model, Dr. Ayed Yaghi, the Director of Medical Relief in the Gaza Strip, presented an exemplary model of collaborative cooperation in providing medical and relief services to Thalassemia patients in the Strip. Dr. Yaghi addressed the challenges in healthcare services, including the shortage of medications and medical supplies, which has become a serious concern for patients. Dr. Yaghi was accompanied by Dr. Bayan Al-Saqa, a blood specialist and representative of the association in the region, who discussed the development of mechanisms for premarital medical examinations through the advancement of genetic testing tools and techniques.

In the second session of the workshop, Ms. Hanan Abid from the Department of Inclusive Health at the Palestinian Ministry of Education presented and discussed various inputs from participating institutions, including universities and private institutions interested in health, education, and socioeconomic empowerment. The recommendations included initiating individual meetings with these institutions and developing joint plans to address different Thalassemia issues.