Narayana Health successfully conducted one of Eastern India’s largest human leukocyte antigen testing camps for children with thalassemia at Narayana RN Tagore Hospital in Mukundapur, Kolkata, on December 22, with the aim of improving access to curative treatment for the genetic blood disorder.
The large scale screening initiative was organised by Narayana Health in collaboration with DKMS, Thalassemics India, Coal India, the Federation of Blood Donor Organisations of India and the Paschim Bangal Sikkim Prantiya Marwari Yuva Manch. The camp screened more than 300 children diagnosed with thalassemia along with their family members to identify compatible donors for bone marrow transplantation, which remains the only definitive cure for the condition.
The initiative was led by Dr Sunil Bhat, Vice Chairman of the Oncology Collegium at Narayana Health Group and Head of Paediatric Haematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation at Narayana Health City, Bengaluru. The camp focused on early HLA testing, a crucial step in determining donor compatibility for bone marrow transplantation, particularly for children who otherwise require lifelong regular blood transfusions and chelation therapy.
Narayana Health currently runs one of the most advanced bone marrow transplant programmes in the country and has performed over 2,500 bone marrow transplants across its centres. Through this initiative, the hospital group aims to bridge gaps in access to transplant services for families in Eastern India, where the burden of thalassemia remains high due to genetic prevalence and limited availability of matched donors.
In addition to HLA sample collection, the camp included structured awareness sessions for families on thalassemia management and transplant options, on site counselling to guide parents through the testing and treatment process, and coordination with referring hospitals and organisations to ensure follow up care.
Financial assistance is planned for eligible patients identified through the camp who are found to have suitable donor matches, helping reduce the economic burden associated with bone marrow transplantation.
