International Thalassemia Day Marked with Inauguration of Comprehensive Clinic at Kasturba Medical College & Hospital
Manipal, May 8th, 2024: International Thalassemia Day was commemorated today at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, as stakeholders convened to raise awareness about the lifelong blood disorder characterized by genetic anomalies in hemoglobin.
Dr. Veena Kumari, Medical Officer at Udupi’s District Hospital Blood Bank, served as the chief guest, and inaugurated a specialized clinic dedicated to Thalassemia care. Stressing the imperative of providing optimal care and avenues for potential cures, Dr. Kumari emphasized the pivotal role of public-private partnerships in tackling diseases like Thalassemia.
Dr. Padmaraj Hegde, Dean of Manipal’s Kasturba Medical College (KMC), was the guest of honor. He lauded the initiative to establish the comprehensive clinic. Dr. Hegde underscored the criticality of philanthropic support in facilitating bone marrow transplants for affected children, while advocating for accessible dissemination of detailed Thalassemia information to caregivers.
In a welcome address, Dr. Vasudeva Bhat K, Professor and Head of KMC’s Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, articulated the clinic’s vision in alignment with the theme of International Thalassemia Day. Dr. Archana M V, Associate Professor in the same division, provided operational insights, revealing the clinic’s forthcoming monthly schedule to cater to patients from Udupi and neighboring districts.
The day’s activities included the Belaku Charitable Trust’s provision of financial aid to select Thalassemia patients, with expressions of gratitude conveyed by Dr. Shiran Shetty, Deputy Medical Superintendent. Following formal proceedings, an awareness program targeting caregivers and nurses unfolded under the guidance of Dr. Swathi P.M, Senior Resident in the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology.
The inauguration of the comprehensive clinic and associated awareness endeavors signify significant strides towards enhancing Thalassemia care and support, in line with the overarching theme of fostering equitable access to treatment for all affected individuals.
The event, themed “Empowering Lives, Embracing Progress: Equitable and Accessible Thalassemia Treatment for All,” aimed to spotlight prevention strategies, treatment options, and holistic patient care.
Thalassemia is a life long red blood cell disorder caused by genetic abnormality in hemoglobin. International Thalassemia day is observed to raise awareness about prevention, options of curability and care of patients with Thalassemia.
