The Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) conducted two-day “TransFusion 2023” conference at a local hotel. monumental conference to commemorate the remarkable strides made in blood safety in Pakistan through the enduring partnership between Germany and Pakistan. This event was endorsed and collaborated by International Society of Blood Transfusion, Asian Association of Blood Banks, Turkish Blood Foundation, and the Pakistan Society of Haematology. National and international speakers from World Health Organization, International Society of Blood Transfusion, USA, Türkiye and Iran enlightened the delegates with their expertise and insights. More than 250 delegates from all across Pakistan participated in this conference.
Dr. ZafarMirza, former state minister of health and former director, health system development, WHO, graced the occasion as Chief Guest congratulate the Indus hospital blood bank’s 10th anniversary. He also acknowledged the contributions of Germany in healthcare system and in the development of Pakistan. DrZafar said that the bilateral relations between the two countries are wide reaching, long standing and they will continue with the same spirit. ZafarMirza revealed that the Germany has fundamental role in “SehatSahulat” programme. “People of Pakistan are benefiting health support by virtue of technical and financial assistance by Germany,”
Ambassador of Germany to Pakistan, Alfred Grannas in his address, said that safe blood transfusion programme is an important initiative supported by the German government and the funds provided through KFW. The ambassador also endorsed the nationwide dedicated services provided by the Indus hospital management for blood transfusion. Alfred Grannas said that the Pakistan and Germany have been partners in healthcare system for many years.
Dr Abdul Bari Khan has said that the Indus hospital stands at the forefront of blood banking in Pakistan with lifesaving blood over 700000 patients annually. Dr Bari at the occasion, acknowledged the German Development Bank and the German agency for international cooperation and with their support 15 regional centers have been established and 84 hospital blood banks have been equipped nationwide. Moreover, the public-private partnership tied with strong knot. President IHHN also thanked the guests attending the conference. “Our work has profound impact on the lives of individuals and the wellbeing of the society in particular, we must work together, push the boundaries of science and extend our expertise to those in need to make blood transfusion safe and more accessible,” Dr Bari added.
Senior Director, Indus Hospital Blood Transfusion Services, Dr. Saba Jamal, Head of Blood Transfusion Services, IHHN, Dr. ShabneezHussain and CEO, IHHN, Dr. ZafarZaidi also addressed the conference.The event marked a historic occasion to reflect on the transformative impact of centralized blood transfusion system in Pakistan, envisioning a future where safe blood is accessible to a wider population in Pakistan. Since the inception in 2007 of the Pak-German Joint Safe Blood Transfusion Project, the blood transfusion landscape in Pakistan has undergone a major transformation with a paradigm shift towards centralized, and cohesive blood transfusion services.
A substantial financial commitment of €25 million from the German Development Bank (KfW) between 2010 and 2023 established 15 Regional Blood Centers and equipped 84 Hospital Blood Banks nationwide. This investment in infrastructure and technology has significantly enhanced the capacity and efficiency of blood transfusion services across the country, while the invaluable technical cooperation of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) from 2009 to 2016 propelled supportive legislative reforms, and the establishment and activation of Provincial Blood Transfusion Authorities
In the conference, Iran’s remarkable transition towards a 100% voluntary blood donation system, along with the advancements in voluntary blood donation in Turkiye, and the ongoing progress and challenges in Pakistan’s voluntary blood donation initiatives were highlighted.
