As part of its efforts to spread awareness on the disease, the Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, said that it will provide medical support for thalassemia-affected patients, who are below 12 years of age and have a family annual income of less than ₹8 lakh.
In a press release, the CMC announced that for financially disadvantaged patients in the specified age group who require a Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, the government (CIL-CSR) and CMC supportive funds will cover the majority of the transplant expenses, including HLA typing, accommodation, and food. This coverage extends to both the patients and their accompanying relatives. Those in need can contact the Department of Hematology at CMC (Ranipet campus).
For patients, who are not eligible for the above funds, partial support will be provided on an ad hoc basis by the CMC based on fund availability. The goal is to enhance the quality of life for children with thalassemia patients and their parents. The initiative is in alignment with the theme for the World Thalassemia Day 2024 on May 8— “Empowering Lives, Embracing Progress: Equitable and Accessible Thalassaemia Treatment for All”.
Thalassemia is a chronic condition that demands lifelong care, leading to physical and psychological changes in the affected children. Physically, the child may experience iron build up in organs due to blood transfusions, causing potential damage. Thalassemia treatment impacts not only children but also their parents who bear full responsibility for their care. Around 70% of the patients with thalassemia are born in low-and middle-income countries of which India has the largest number —about 1 to 1.5 lakh, the release said.
