A dignified ceremony was held at Fatimid Foundation Karachi Center at 393 Britto Road, on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 as Fatimid Foundation became the first Non-Profit National Organization in Pakistan to introduce Real Time PCR based NAT (Nucleic Acid Testing) technology of Roche at its Karachi Center. Honorable Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho Minister Health, Government of Sindh, graced the occasion and inaugurated the new NAT System. Lt. Gen. Moinuddin Haider (Retd.), Honourary Chairman Fatimid Foundation alongwith Prof. Dr. Muhammad Khurshid, Trustee Fatimid Foundation and former Dean AKUH welcomed the Honourable Minister Health and briefed her about the need and benefits of the new blood screening technology. Gen. Moinuddin Haider presented a memento to Dr. Azra Pechuho for her support to the cause of voluntary and safe blood transfusion.
The honorable Minister lauded the services of Fatimid Foundation in providing safe blood transfusion to general public and specially to thalassaemia and haemophilia patients and emphasized that NAT technology makes the process of blood transfusion safe and it will play a significant role in reducing the rate of transfusion transmitted infections HIV, HCV and HBV. The Minister also announced handing over the management of Regional Blood Centres located in Karachi and Nawabshah to Fatimid Foundation due to their expertise in voluntary safe blood transfusion.
Dr. Waleed Bin Azhar, Chief Operating Officer conducted the visit of the Centre and the Honourable Minister Health also distributed gifts to thalassaemia children who were receiving the blood transfusion at the Centre. Dr. Zia ur Rahman Medical Director and Dr. Shabneez Hussain Consultant Haematologist alongwith medical staff of Fatimid Foundation were also present.
