Abstract
The primary objective of this research study was to investigate the challenges encountered by parents of children with thalassemia in South Punjab in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond being a health crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic also had significant economic repercussions. Consequently, this study aimed to examine the factors contributing to unfavorable outcomes and the strategies employed to mitigate them. Qualitative data served as the foundation for this research, with the study's focus centered on parents of thalassemia patients residing in district Bhakkar. Respondents were chosen through convenient sampling techniques, resulting in a sample size of 17 participants, 15 of whom were parents of thalassemia patients from district Bhakkar. In-depth interviews were conducted, facilitated by an interview guide, which encompassed two focus group discussions and interviews with two thalassemia administrators. Following data collection, Nvivo 10 was employed for data analysis. The findings of this study shed light on the social, economic, and management challenges faced by parents of thalassemia patients due to the COVID-19 lockdown measures. Based on these findings, it is recommended that both government and civil society organizations take proactive measures, such as establishing blood banks, to ensure the timely transfusion of blood to individuals with thalassemia.