A report from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences
Mohali: 8 May 2024: (Karthika Kalyani Singh//Health and Fitness Screen Desk)::
A glorious institute located in Sahib Zada Singh Nagar (Mohali) is Dr. B.R. Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences. A two-day event was organized in this institute regarding a war in which many important things took place. Don't be surprised by the word war, this war is a war of Thalassemia and is being fought in many parts of the world.There are many warriors in this war who are continuously fighting this war. The warriors of this war are also honored here and information about their tactics is also given. One such Thalassemia warrior and social worker Ms. Alka Chaudhary was also present in this event.
Further enhancing the scope and importance of this battle with Thalassemia this important institution celebrated "World Thalassemia Day 2024" with a two-day event on 7-8 May 2024। This year's theme is "Empowering Life, Embracing Progress: Equal and Accessible Thalassemia Treatment for All। Thalassemia warrior and social activist Ms. Alka Chaudhary shared her journey with Thalassemia which has been one of resilience, courage and hope। Despite facing challenges every day, she takes life with a smile and determination. Through her life experience, Ms. Alka also very vividly advocated for greater awareness, support and understanding for people with thalassemia.
Professor and Head of Department of Hematology, PGIMER, Dr. Reena Das was also invited for guest lectures for MBBS students. He emphasized disease prevention through genetic screening and prenatal counseling as treatment for major thalassemia can be prohibitively expensive and may include stem cell transplantation. Therefore, spreading awareness among the local people plays an important role.
Director Principal of the institute and a dedicated regular blood donor herself Dr. Bhavneet Bharti also gave a fascinating message on the need for early detection of the disease, fairness and inclusivity in health care, empowering individuals affected by thalassemia and efforts to promote progress in treatment options. His magnetic personality further strengthened the waves of Thalassemia awakening in the hearts and minds of the people present there in this regard.
Professor of the Department of Pathology, AIMS, Dr. Rashi Garg reported that there are about 1.5 million carriers of beta thalassemia (3.96%) in Punjab, and an estimated 4700 patients of beta thalassemia major. You can guess how serious the situation is. How many people are fighting this war। How many families are suffering the brunt of this .
In the same event, Dr., Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology. Tanupriya Bindal revealed many things to raise awareness about the constant blood transfusions and chelation therapy required for major patients with thalassemia. He underlined the importance of ensuring availability, affordability and accessibility of blood to all thalassemia patients.
If you want to fight this important battle warriors then don't delay। Come forward। Increase the strength of these warriors by becoming helpful in this war। All this is the responsibility of complete understanding and not just the government.
