PUNE: KEM Hospital, Pune, successfully conducted the Handover Ceremony for the newly installed HPLC Variant II Machine on 24th November 2025. This advanced diagnostic system has been generously donated by Finolex Industries Ltd. and the Mukul Madhav Foundation (MMF) to support and strengthen the hospital’s services in the diagnosis of Haemoglobinopathy and Thalassemia.
Haemoglobin disorders remain a major public health concern in India, affecting infants, children, adolescent girls, and pregnant women. The Department of Pathology at KEM Hospital has been providing Haemoglobin Electrophoresis testing for over two decades at an affordable cost, ensuring access to early detection and timely patient management.
Shirin Wadia, CEO of KEM Hospital, Pune, said, “The installation of the HPLC Variant II Machine is a significant milestone in our commitment to fight haemoglobin disorders. With this advanced technology and the generous support of Finolex Industries Ltd. and the Mukul Madhav Foundation, we are now better equipped to provide timely, accurate, and affordable diagnosis for those who need it most.”
She added that Finolex Industries and MMF have been valued partners of KEM Hospital for over two decades, supporting paediatrics, OPD, neonatal care, and several other departments under the guidance of the Late Dr. Anand Pandit. She noted that MMF’s long-standing commitment and timely support have greatly contributed to the continuous upgradation of services at KEM Hospital, strengthening patient care year after year.
Dr Rama Manchanda, Haematologist, KEM Hospital, remarked, “We are very grateful to MMF for helping us diagnose hemoglobinopathies. With this machine, we will be able to identify carriers of disorders such as thalassemia much more effectively. This can prevent the birth of thalassemia major cases and alleviate the socio-economic burden on families and on society.”
Ritu Prakash Chhabria, Managing Trustee of the Mukul Madhav Foundation, said, “Our mission has always been to ensure that quality healthcare reaches every individual, regardless of their background. This contribution is a step toward securing a healthier future for countless families. Over the years, FIL–MMF has been deeply committed to supporting children living with Thalassemia by providing medical filters, medicines, and continuous care to over 300 children every month. We have also prioritised prevention through our state-wide Thalassemia and Diabetes awareness initiatives in colleges across Maharashtra and Gujarat. By combining improved diagnostics with sustained community awareness, we hope to reduce the burden of genetic disorders and empower the next generation with knowledge and timely intervention.”
The Scale of the Challenge & How This Machine Makes a Difference
- Haemoglobin disorders are widespread in India, with 3–4% of the population carrying β-thalassemia, translating to approximately 35–45 million carriers.
- About 10,000–15,000 babies are born every year in India with severe hemoglobinopathy, including thalassemia major.
- In Maharashtra, studies have reported a β-thalassemia carrier rate of roughly 2.55–3.48% in some populations.
- Given these numbers, the HPLC Variant II machine is expected to identify and monitor a significant number of carriers and patients over its lifetime, enabling early interventions, reducing the risk of symptomatic disease, and helping prevent the inheritance of severe haemoglobinopathies.
This initiative reinforces the shared commitment of KEM Hospital, Finolex Industries Ltd., and MMF to improving community health and expanding access to critical medical services. It also reflects their collective mission to continuously upgrade healthcare infrastructure, strengthen diagnostic and treatment capacities, and ensure that high-quality, affordable care reaches every section of society.