KARACHI, Nov 11: Blood diseases and infections emerging as a significant health issue enhances urgency to improve diagnostic capacities and capabilities of medical professionals ensuring timely intervention and proper treatment of the affectees.

Experts addressing the two-day workshop, organized by Pakistan Society of Haematology, in collaboration with the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) here on Saturday strongly recommended need to introduce problem-based learning methodology at local medical colleges and post-graduation training units.

This was said to be of critical importance to improve professional skills of local doctors, particularly haematologists ultimately combating ailments ranging from Thalassaemia, viral hemorrhagic fever, haemophilia to blood cancer, registered to have considerably high incidence of mortality in Pakistan.

Need for adequately equipped and staffed haematology units at all government sector facilities was a suggestion forwarded on the occasion.

The programme was largely attended by young doctors, trainees and medical students.

With regard to issues related to blood transfusion, speakers discussed measures pre-requisite to avoid any possible reaction during blood transfusion process as well as urgency for a proper mechanism to audit safety measures adopted at blood banks -- which must necessarily be headed by a qualified haematologist and manned by adequate trained professionals.

Need to educate masses with regard to necessary precautions preventing blood borne diseases and infections was also highlighted. Indigenous methods and gadgets to treat ailments as Thalassanemia was also discussed.

Earlier, Prof Adibul Hasan Rizvi, addressing the inaugural session of the programme, appreciated Pakistan Society of Haematology for providing a platform to the young professionals to learn, discuss and share their experiences.

PSH President, Dr Khalid Zafar Hashmi, Pakistan Society of Haematology was e newly established body aimed at meeting the needs of an essentially and critically important healthcare force required to provide masses medical support.

Prof. Kim and Prof. Harriet from Korea, along with Prof Mohammad Khurshid, Dr Tariq Mehmood, Dr Shahid Rehman, Maj-Gen Masood, Brig Shoaib and Dr Mohammad Ayub were among some of the speakers on the occasion.—APP