In a major step toward enhancing tertiary healthcare, the Government of Punjab has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Christian Medical College (CMC), Ludhiana, to establish the state’s first Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) facility in the public sector. This pioneering initiative is aimed at providing life-saving treatment for children with thalassemia and other serious blood disorders.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, who lauded the collaboration and reiterated the government’s commitment to making advanced healthcare accessible and affordable. “This is a historic step toward equitable healthcare in Punjab. We are not just building a facility—we are offering new hope to hundreds of families fighting life-threatening illnesses,” he said.
Under this initiative, children under 12 years suffering from thalassemia will receive free HLA typing and subsidized allogeneic stem cell transplants—the only curative treatment for the condition. Successful transplants can eliminate the need for lifelong blood transfusions, significantly improving quality of life.
Currently, no government medical college in Punjab has an operational BMT unit, forcing families to seek expensive treatment outside the state. The new facility at CMC Ludhiana, a leading center for BMT, will bridge this gap and cater especially to patients from rural and underserved areas. It will also ensure continued follow-up care within the state, improving outcomes and reducing treatment dropouts.
In addition to clinical services, the BMT center will act as a hub for training and skill development, contributing to the broader healthcare ecosystem in Punjab.
The MoU was signed with the presence of key officials including Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul, Director Health and Family Welfare Dr. Hatinder Kaur, NHM Director Dr. Balwinder Singh, and senior representatives from CMC Ludhiana, PSACS, and other stakeholders. The facility is expected to be operational soon, with coordinated efforts ensuring patient-centric and transparent care.