Media Release

Mangaluru, Apr 25: Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder wherein patients require lifelong blood transfusion every 3 to 4 weeks once. The only curative option for this condition is a timely bone marrow transplantation. To ensure that children from this region benefit from this, the division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal conducted an HLA testing camp along with one good step foundation.

The camp was attended by 20 families and more than 50 HLA samples of patients and potential donors were collected. Dr Jacintha D'Souza, district medical officer was the chief guest for the programme said, "Thalassemia poses a significant financial burden on the families and that the government is determined to prevent and cure it." 

Dr Sharath Kumar Rao, senior consultant and head of the department of immunohematology and blood transfusion highlighted the importance of screening for thalassemia and its prevention. He also mentioned that they give chelation, triple saline wash, and if needed leuko reduction filters for transfusion and blood typing for antibodies for free of cost, if patients receive blood from Wenlock District Hospital thalassemia day care centre through the government's NHM programme. 

Dr Archana M V, associate professor in the division said, “HLA typing in the first step towards identifying potential donors for bone marrow transplant.” Dr Swathi P M, senior resident in the division gave an overview of thalassemia and need for iron chelation while Dr Vasudeva Bhat K, professor and head of the division informed about the financial help that patients can get at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal towards bone marrow transplant.