In a major initiative to enhance treatment options for thalassemia patients, the Bihar Health Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, to facilitate bone marrow transplants for 350 patients suffering from the inherited blood disorder.
Health Minister Mangal Pandey announced that Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) screening camps will be organized in early July at two key government hospitals—Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) and Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur—to identify suitable sibling donors for the procedure.
The screening camp at SKMCH Muzaffarpur is scheduled for July 4, targeting 200 patients, while PMCH Patna will hold its camp on July 5, covering 150 patients.
"This initiative is part of our long-term commitment to providing comprehensive and effective care to thalassemia patients across Bihar," said Pandey. Thalassemia is a genetic condition that affects hemoglobin production and typically requires regular blood transfusions or bone marrow transplants for survival.
During the camps, HLA samples will be collected from both the patients and their siblings to assess compatibility for transplantation. Participants are required to bring all relevant thalassemia-related medical records along with the Aadhaar cards of both parents and siblings for verification purposes.
The department emphasized that accurate HLA matching is crucial for the success of bone marrow transplants and is working to ensure thorough screening and follow-up to support the transplant process.