Thalassemia Department in Tartus Provides Nearly 6,000 Free Services Since Start of Year

The Thalassemia Department at Tartus National Hospital has provided 5,909 free medical services since the beginning of the current year, including blood transfusions, medications, vaccines, diagnostic and genetic laboratory tests, as well as clinical follow-ups and consultations for patients.

Hospital Director Dr. Hussam Hassan stated in a statement to SANA correspondent today, Friday, that the department is monitoring the condition of 434 patients, both children and adults, with 40 percent suffering from major thalassemia. The department receives an average of 25 visitors daily from Tartus governorate and other governorates.

Hassan noted that the services included the transfusion of 2,700 units of separated red blood cells, with an average monthly consumption rate of 250 units, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the blood bank's production in the governorate.

On the pharmaceutical side, the department provided 2,564 services, including iron chelators and hydroxyurea medication, as well as subcutaneous desferrioxamine infusion pumps for patients requiring them. Additionally, 645 vaccines were administered, covering pneumococcal, meningococcal, Haemophilus influenzae, Hepatitis B, and seasonal influenza.

He pointed out that laboratory services included blood typing, hematocrit tests, and cross-matching of blood units, alongside periodic analyses to monitor the disease, its complications, treatment response, and drug effects, as well as screening for blood-borne diseases.

Hassan emphasized that the department also provides clinical follow-up services for patients, necessary investigations, health education for patients and their families, and pre-marital hematological genetic counseling.

Previously, in September, the Tartus Health District organized a blood donation campaign at the Al-Zarqat Health Center to boost the blood bank's reserves and support thalassemia patients, on the occasion of World Patient Safety Day under the slogan "Initiate Giving and Be the Reason for Saving a Life."

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)