About Us

Thalassemia Patients Welfare Society Nawabshah

Our Foundation

The Thalassemia Patients Welfare Society Nawabshah (TPWS Nawabshah) has established a dedicated Thalassemia Patients Society and Treatment Centre, which has been operational since February 6, 2007. Located in a government building provided by the District Government Nawabshah at Housing Society Nawabshah, our center is sustained through public donations and the personal financial support of Mohtarma Faryal Talpur, Mrs. Munawar Bughio, and many others.

To date, we have registered 2,596 patients with Thalassemia Major and 100 patients with Hemophilia. Our center provides a range of services, including:

  • Free Treatment
  • Blood Transfusions
  • Free Medicines
  • Chelating Iron Treatment
  • Free Lab Investigations
  • Free Lunch
  • Free CVS Procedures for Patients and Their Parents

We have also engaged the necessary technical and non-technical personnel to ensure the efficient operation of our center.

Vision

A healthy Thalassemia-free society.

Mission

To take all efforts to prevent the spread of Thalassemia Minor & Major.

Objectives

  • To provide the best care and treatment for patients with Thalassemia.
  • To raise public awareness on health-related problems and diseases, specifically targeting Thalassemia.
  • Collection and compilation of data on Thalassemia patients in Nawabshah and other districts of Sindh.
  • Establishment of a Resource Centre for blood-related diseases.
  • Implementing preventive and curative programs for parental diagnosis.

Potential

Every welfare society efficiently and effectively performs its functionalities and operates at an optimum level based on two major factors:

  1. Human Resources
  2. Financial Strength

Fortunately, TPWS Nawabshah possesses enthusiastic human resources who are professionally sound and robust. However, our financial potential still does not meet our requirements, resulting in a deficit compared to our financial needs. Our dedicated human resources can efficiently utilize their strengths and efforts if their motivation and career growth are nurtured over time. This is only possible if the society strengthens its financial position.

Performance & Targets

Envisioning our performance during the year 2023-24, we have delivered quality services in the following areas:

  1. O.P.D (Outdoor Patients Department):

    Our medical and paramedical staff have tirelessly served innocent Thalassemia patients and their parents through routine check-ups. Approximately 150 patients are checked daily, totaling around 24,282 patients yearly in 2023-24.

  2. Blood Transfusions:

    After assessing vitals in the O.P.D, patients recommended for blood transfusions receive them based on their hemoglobin requirements. Each transfusion undergoes rigorous screening using Rapid Kits and the Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA) machine, adhering to WHO standards.

  3. Sources of Blood & Blood Donation Camps Organization:

    TPWS Nawabshah has a dedicated team comprising one Manager and five medical staff members who organize blood donation camps across Sindh throughout the year, except during Ramadan Kareem. In 2023-24, approximately 15,712 blood donations were received through these camps.

  4. Prevention from Spreading Thalassemia Major in Targeted Population:
    • Public Awareness:

      Over 245 camps were organized in 2023-24 to educate the general public about Thalassemia, its consequences, and prevention methods. These camps were held in colleges, universities, villages, and various public forums.

    • Sampling and HB Electrophoresis Test:

      In areas with frequent Thalassemia Major cases, residents undergo HB electrophoresis tests to diagnose Thalassemia Minor. Individuals diagnosed as Thalassemia Minor are advised against marrying others with the same condition to prevent transmission.

    • CVS Procedure:

      Trained medical personnel conduct CVS procedures to diagnose Thalassemia Major in fetuses. Approximately 150 procedures were completed in the last quarter, with 75 cases diagnosed as Thalassemia Major leading to necessary actions.

Targets

  1. Pre-marital screening as the primary goal to minimize the spread of Thalassemia.
  2. Establishing CVS testing (Molecular Lab) at TPWS Nawabshah to reduce the need to forward tests to Karachi.
  3. Operating as a “National Institute of Blood Disease” and performing Bone Marrow Transplantations at TPWS Nawabshah.
  4. Conducting termination of pregnancy procedures for cases diagnosed as Thalassemia Major in fetuses.

Achievements

  1. Successfully completed free screening in Village Essa Bhatti, declaring it a Thalassemia-free pocket of District SBA, with no reported cases in the past two years.
  2. For the past year, the center has been screening the targeted population in Union Councils Hassan Jamali and Karam Jamali, with no new Thalassemia cases reported.
  3. Former Thalassemia patients registered at our center in 2007 are now adults and university graduates, contributing as technologists at TPWS Nawabshah. One registered patient is a law graduate and motivational speaker.
  4. Expanded the center from 250 sq. yards to 1,000 sq. yards with double stories, incorporating facilities like a blood bank, ICU, CVS department, blood transfusion department, and a highly equipped laboratory with 4th generation blood diagnostic machines. Qualified doctors, medical, and paramedical staff are dedicated to serving patients.
  5. First and only institute performing CVS procedures (blood sampling from fetuses during pregnancy) to enable early diagnosis of Thalassemia Major. Approximately 350 CVS tests have been conducted, diagnosing 75 cases of Thalassemia Major.
  6. Provides CVS training to medical professionals in Shaheed Benazirabad division, aiding in the prevention of Thalassemia.

Demands

  1. The care center requires 120 million PKR to purchase a highly equipped vehicle (Hiace/Mobile Van) for widespread prevention and screening initiatives.
  2. Seeking affiliation with PUMHS University and recognition as an Institute of Blood Disease.
  3. Pursuing affiliations with international organizations like UNICEF and WHO to enhance support and credibility.

District-wise Patient List

Below is the list of patients registered with TPWS Nawabshah, organized by district in ascending order based on the number of patients:

S.No District Patients
1 Sukkur 8
2 Mirpurkhas 11
3 Larkana 12
4 Hyderabad 18
5 Jamshoro 57
6 Matiyari 68
7 Sanghar 357
8 Kahirpure 123
9 Dadu 228
10 Naushahro Feroze 631
11 Shaheed Benazairabad 1,083
Total 2,596