On Tuesday, September 15, 2020, His Excellency Prof. Dr. Taha Ahmed Al-Mutawakel, Minister of Public Health and Population, was honored during a visit by the President of the Yemeni Society for Thalassemia Patients, Dr. Ahmed Shamsan Al-Maqrami, and the General Manager, Mr. Jamil Ali Al-Khayati, to his office at the Ministry.
Minister Al-Mutawakel is recognized as one of the few ministers who possess a deep understanding of health, social issues, and chronic diseases. Since assuming office, he has worked diligently to serve patients with thalassemia and hereditary hemolytic anemia, significantly contributing to improving healthcare services for these patients by supporting the specialized care center and related health facilities.
In his remarks, the Minister expressed gratitude for the honor and reaffirmed his commitment to continued support, emphasizing his ongoing efforts to safeguard patients’ wellbeing and alleviate their suffering. He stated:
“Whenever I visit hospitals or medical centers, I see thalassemia patients undergoing blood transfusions, which is a hardship for both patients and their families. It is imperative to unite efforts to establish a government-run center dedicated to caring for this vulnerable group suffering from chronic hereditary diseases.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Al-Maqrami conveyed his sincere appreciation for the Minister’s relentless dedication and called on the relevant authorities to enact legislation mandating premarital screening in accordance with the Public Health Law and its executive regulations. Such a law would require confirmation of the health status of one partner prior to marriage, thereby reducing the incidence of hereditary blood disorders among newborns.
