World Thalassemia Day Celebration: “Aasha ki Kiran” by CMC Ludhiana

Ludhiana: 13th May, 2023: (Kartika Singh/Arth Prakash):: Seminar on Thalassemia Cure by CMC Ludhiana 

The Department of Clinical Haematology, Haemato-Oncology and Bone Marrow (Stem cell) Transplantation, of Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana, organized a one-day Seminar and awareness program aptly named “Aasha ki Kiran”. The program was arranged to give hope, optimism and confidence to both patients and family members of patients with thalassemia so that Thalassemia can be cured by Stem Cell Transplant treatment. The Department was established in 2007 and the Transplant Program was started in 2008. So far, the Institution has performed more than 246 transplants, with 96 transplants for Thalassaemia patients. Thalassemia is a genetic disorder that requires lifelong blood transfusions.

Thalassemia cure by transplant

An estimated 10,000 Thalassemia major children are born every year in India. Stem Cell transplantation can offer a lifetime cure in such patients. Several Thalassemia Patients and caregivers from various districts of Punjab, Haryana, and Bihar attended this Event. Most of the Patients came to give the Free HLA (Human leukocyte antigen) samples in this Camp. MBBS Students attended this Event and benefitted from the learnings on Thalassemia. The Director of Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana, Dr William Bhatti, opened the event by welcoming the guest of honour, Dr Praveen Sobti. He reiterated the vision and the mission of CMC Ludhiana. The Guest of Honour, Dr Parveen C. Sobti, emphasized that the results of CMC Ludhiana were similar to the best centres in India and abroad.

Thalassaemia Bal Sewa Yojna

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with Coal India’s CSR, have funded HSCT (Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation) program, titled “Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna”, has granted Rs. 10 Lakhs towards Transplant for each Patient with HLA is an identical donor and is less than 12 years of age through this scheme.