Ahmedabad, May 8: On the occasion of World Thalassemia Day, Gujarat officials highlighted the importance of screening for the disease and the expansion of advanced treatment services. Ahmedabad Civil Hospital presented its integrated approach, combining prevention, testing, and long-term care for patients.
Authorities reiterated that pre-marital thalassemia testing, screening during pregnancy, and family-based testing are crucial steps for preventing this hereditary disease, which can be passed down through generations.
The hospital’s efforts align with the global theme “Hidden No More: Finding the Undiagnosed, Supporting the Unseen,” aimed at timely identification of the disease and providing medical assistance to all patients.
Health officials emphasized their focus on creating a ‘Thalassemia-Free Gujarat’ through institutional care and awareness campaigns. State Health Minister Prabhull Pansheriya stated that the state government is progressing towards this goal under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
He mentioned that the state government is committed to achieving a ‘Thalassemia-Free Gujarat,’ with modern treatments and awareness initiatives from institutions like Civil Hospital playing a significant role.
Medical experts at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital reported significant improvements in treatment facilities for thalassemia patients, especially for children who require regular blood transfusions. Medical Superintendent Rakesh Joshi noted that the hospital, in collaboration with BJ Medical College, offers free and comprehensive care.
He added that Civil Hospital has been at the forefront of introducing advanced services like leukodepleted blood transfusion and chelation therapy in Gujarat.
Head of the pediatric department, Jolly Vaishnav, explained that thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder where the body cannot produce sufficient hemoglobin, necessitating regular blood transfusions for survival.
Currently, the hospital provides blood transfusion services to around 81 children every Tuesday and Thursday, utilizing leukodepleted packed cell volume to reduce complications like fever and adverse reactions. The hospital has also enhanced its testing and long-term monitoring systems.
This includes tests based on High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for accurate patient and family assessments, alongside regular monitoring through serum ferritin levels, 2D echocardiography, and eye and ear examinations. Free medications are provided to control iron overload from frequent blood transfusions.
Patients receive counseling and guidance regarding bone marrow transplants, considered a potential treatment option. Preventive efforts have been intensified through targeted screening programs.
Nidhi Bhatnagar, head of the Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion Department, mentioned a special initiative aimed at increasing community awareness and early detection of the disease, which will involve screening approximately 5,000 healthcare workers.
Officials reiterated preventive measures, including pre-marital thalassemia testing, carrier screening via HPLC, antenatal screening during pregnancy upon doctors’ advice, and family screening when necessary.