12/07/2025
Health experts emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, preventive measures and adopting an interdisciplinary approach to effectively combat blood-borne diseases.
These insights were shared during a national one-day symposium on hematology titled “Essentials of Hematology,” jointly organized by Riphah International University and the Pakistan Bone Marrow Transplantation (PBMT) Society at Peshawar Medical College. The event brought together leading experts from across Pakistan to discuss key hematological conditions and best practices in patient care.
The symposium commenced with a warm welcome address by Prof. Dr. Ayesha Abdullah, Vice Dean of Peshawar Medical College.
The scientific sessions began with a presentation on Thalassemia Prevention by Dr. Mehreen Ali Khan from the Armed Forces Bone Marrow Transplant Centre (AFBMTC), Rawalpindi. This was followed by a talk on Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy by Dr. Munira Borhany of Ziauddin Hospital, Karachi. A comprehensive discussion session was moderated by Dr. Shahtaj Khan of Rehman Medical College, with panelists including Dr. Mehreen, Dr. Munira, Dr. Ayesha Iftikhar (Shifa International Hospital) and Dr. Maryam Khan (AFBMTC).
Dr. Khalil ur Rehman (PATHWEL, Rawalpindi) addressed the critical issue of blood transfusion decisions in medical and surgical settings. Dr. Aisha Jamal from NIBD, Karachi, spoke on Thromboprophylaxis in Surgery. Their talks were followed by a panel discussion featuring Dr. Natasha Ali (AKU, Karachi), Dr. Saima Humayoon Toor, Dr. Sumaira Abbas, and experts from PMC.
The final session covered the management of acute leukemia in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Dr. Maryam Khan shared insights into supportive care pathways for bone marrow failure, followed by Maj. Gen. (R) Parvez Ahmed, who presented outcomes of bone marrow transplants in Pakistan. The closing panel discussion featured distinguished experts including Dr. (Brig.) Syed Kamran Mahmood, Dr. Nighat Shahbaz, Dr. Raheel Iftikhar, and Dr. Maryam Khan. Dr. Ashraf Khan (PMC) and Dr. Fazl-e-Raziq also spoke at the session. Dr. Uzma Rahim served as the stage organizer.
The symposium concluded with closing remarks and presentation of souvenirs by Prof. Dr. Mohammad Aman Safi, Principal of Peshawar Medical College. The event provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advocacy for improved hematological care in the region.