Dubai: The Dubai Branch of the Red Crescent Society of the UAE, donated Dh89,000 to the Dubai Thalassaemia Centre for the purchase of corono or desferal pump machines used to pump out excessive iron that builds up in those requiring regular blood transfusions. These machines are used for financially underprivelged Thalassaemia patients who cannot afford to buy the machine.
The donation was made through a cheque presented by Abdullah Ahmad Amoeni, In-charge of the support department at the Red Crescent Society of the UAE, Dubai Branch, to Dr Khowla Belhoul, Director of the Thalassemia Centre in the presence of Dr Essam Dohair, Outreach Coordinator at the Centre and other senior officials.
Explaining the importance of the pump, Dr Belhoul said: “Thalassemia patients suffer from excess iron levels due to recurrent blood transfusions. Excessive iron can cause several complications such as decline in heart function, liver failure, and failure of other organs. Excessive iron in extreme cases can even result in death. Therefore, it is important to get rid of iron overload with the help of a corono pump machine, which is a small battery- operated device that is easy to use.”
Dr Khowla said the medication was put in the machine and a syringe was connected which gradually released the medicine into the patient’s body. The machine was strapped onto the patient and the patient was able to carry it for either 12 hours or even 24 hours as required, to correct the levels of excessive iron in the body.
Dr Khowla added: “We sincerely appreciate the noble gesture of The Red Crescent Society of the United Arab Emirates. This donation will help better the lives of these patients. Our aim is to ensure that our patients can live free of complications and lead a normal life to the best extent possible and it is through the support and commitment of such organisations that we can improve the lives of our patients.”
Amoeni from Dubai’s Red Crescent said that such initiatives are part of the charity’s mission and that he hopes patients will be able to benefit from this machine and lead a healthier life.
