ideSHi has achieved a significant milestone in scientific research and innovation over the past decade. To mark this noteworthy milestone, ideSHi has been organizing monthly scientific seminars, and in this series, ideSHi’s latest event focused on discussions on thalassemia and free screening tests.
The seminar was attended by various distinguished speakers involved in thalassemia research and treatment, shedding light on the latest advancements, challenges, and future directions in the fight against thalassemia. ideSHi collected a total of 40 samples for thalassemia screening in its own laboratory during the event which was supported by First Security Islami Bank (FSIBL). The objective of the event was to foster collaboration, share information, and enhance technical participation for thalassemia prevention, diagnosis, and improving the quality of life for thalassemia patients.
Professor Dr. Meerjady Sabrina Flora, Additional Director General (Planning & Development) of DGHS, attended the event as the chief guest. In her speech, she commended the contributions of Dr. Firdausi Qadri in health research and expressed her commitment to support her in future endeavors related to thalassemia.
At the beginning of the seminar, Dr. Md. Rafiqur Rahman, Chief Operating Officer of ideSHi, presented a presentation covering the journey of the organization from its inception to the present day.
Dr. Firdausi Qadri, recipient of the Independence Award 2023 and the Ramon Magsaysay Award, presented a keynote presentation titled “Global, Regional and National Understanding of Thalassemia.”
During the event, financial assistance was provided to a father of a thalassemic child from ideSHi’s the Benevolent Fund for the Underprivileged.
Dr. Tahmid Ahmed, Executive Director of ICDDR,B, also spoke as a special guest, praising Dr. Firdausi Qadri for his dedication to working on thalassemia and recalling the contributions of Syed Saleheen Qadri Sir. He highlighted various opportunities for working on thalassemia.
Other distinguished speakers present at the seminar included:
Dr. Nusrat Sultan, Associate Professor, Dhaka Medical College, former PhD student of ideSHi, Prof. Akhil Ranjan Biswas, Professor of Hematology, Dhaka Medical College, Dr. Rezaul Karim Kajal, Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Mr. Sirajul Islam, President, Thalassemia Protirodh Andolon Bangladesh, Dr. Emran Kabir Chowdhury, Professor and Chairman, Department of Public Health, University of Dhaka, Prof. Dr. Belayet Hossain, Head of Pediatrics Hematology and Oncology, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, Dr. Tasneem Ara, Senior Consultant, Department of Hematology Oncology, Ahsania Mission Cancer and General Hospital.
The seminar was also attended by students from Community Hospital, WANA, a volunteer organization formed by thalassemia patients and caregivers in Bangladesh and few selected MPH Students from NIPSOM.
