Shri Mahant Indiresh Hospital, Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, organized a Thalassemia Awareness Program in association with Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre and Globally Integrated Foundation for Thalassemia (GIFT) on 30th March 2025 at the auditorium of Shri Mahant Indiresh Hospital.The program began with a lamp-lighting ceremony led by Dr. Tanvi Khanna, Pediatric Oncologist, Shri Mahant Indiresh Hospital, Dr. Sanjeev Jain from Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute, Dr. Puneet, Mr. Madan Chawla, and the Rotarian team members.
As part of this awareness program, a free HLA Typing Camp was also organized to screen thalassemia patients, their siblings, parents, and relatives. Dr. Sandeep Jain from Rajiv Gandhi Institute & Research Centre shared valuable insights on thalassemia. He stated that thalassemia is a preventable disease and can be cured if detected at the right time. Furthermore, he mentioned that in India, more than 10,000 people are diagnosed with this blood disorder each year. Dr. Sandeep Jain emphasized that thalassemia can be controlled with proper medication, timely blood transfusions, and, in severe cases, bone marrow or stem cell transplants, which replace faulty blood-forming cells with healthy ones from a compatible donor.
Moreover, another expert, Dr. Tanvi Khanna, Pediatric Hematologist Oncologist at Shri Mahant Indiresh Hospital, stated that the patients must remain in touch with a hematologist to maintain quality of life for these patients as they require continued care. She informed that Shri Mahant Indiresh Hospital is providing blood for Thalassemia patients free of cost.
Members of the All India Rotary Club also participated in the program, sharing motivational insights. Senior member of the GIFT Organization, Mr. Madan Chawla, stressed the importance of regular check-ups with doctors to help thalassemia patients maintain good health. He further stated that their organization is actively creating awareness across India.
The program was well managed by the pediatric staff and the Public Relations Officer, Oncology, Vivek Sharma. A Vote of Thanks was presented by Dr. Tanvi Khanna.