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.

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• 79th Independence Day of India
• LPF’s 30 Years of Impactful Work
• Release of Inspira (65th Edition of the LPF Newsletter)
• Blood Donation Drive

The event was hosted at Bharati Vidyapeeth Rabindranath Tagore School of Excellence, Baner, Pune, in collaboration with Axis Bank (PB Branch), Pune, and Bharati Vidyapeeth Hospital, Pune.

The ceremony was graced by distinguished dignitaries including Padma Shri Lila Poonawalla (Chairperson, LPF), Firoz Poonawalla (Founder Trustee, LPF), Bhushan Vaidya (Cluster Head & Sr. Vice President-1, Axis Bank, PB Branch, Pune), Bhagyashree (Principal, Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College, Pune) and Sharmila Govande (Sr. General Manager – Operations, LPF).

A highlight of the celebration was the Blood Donation Drive, which witnessed an inspiring response with over 100 donors stepping forward. This act of solidarity symbolized freedom, unity, and the spirit of giving—values deeply aligned with LPF’s mission of societal service.

Sharing his thoughts, Firoz Poonawalla, Founder Trustee, LPF, said, “Today is about celebrating our nation’s Independence and contributing meaningfully to society. Every drop of blood donated is a gift of life and a beacon of hope for someone in need.”

The release of the 65th edition of Inspira, LPF’s in-house newsletter, added to the spirit of reflection and pride, chronicling the foundation’s three decades of empowering girls through education and creating pathways for brighter futures.

This combined celebration of Independence, Service, and 30 Years of Impact reinforced LPF’s unwavering commitment to the belief that true progress is achieved not just by empowering minds but also by nurturing lives.

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Despite the unimaginable grief, his wife made the courageous and selfless decision to donate all his organs, duly supported by her family and counseling team. The liver and both kidneys were retrieved and allocated by NOTTO (National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization), while the heart and lungs were deemed unfit for transplant. The liver was transplanted into a 61-year-old male, and one kidney into a 52-year-old male, both at HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka. The second kidney was transplanted into a 59-year-old female at another private hospital in Delhi.

Dr. Shrikanth Srinivasan, Chairman, Manipal Institute of Critical Care Medicine, “Despite the best efforts of the treating team, the patient’s condition did not improve and was declared brain dead on 12^th May 2025. Despite the profound loss, the family made the courageous decision to donate his organs, offering a gift of life to those in need. Their strength and compassion in such a difficult time is truly inspiring and serve as a powerful reminder of the impact one life can have on many.”

Dr. (Col) Avnish Seth VSM, Head, Manipal Organ Sharing & Transplant (MOST), said, “Organ donation should be an essential component of end-of-life care. Only if the family is fully convinced that their loved one succumbed despite the best possible treatment, will they consider doing something for others. Trust is an important component. Transparency in the allocation of organs as per the waiting list, like it is being done in our country by NOTTO, gives a lot of confidence to the family to arrive at the correct decision. This altruistic gesture by the family has saved three lives, and this is the true spirit of humanity. He will live on.”

There remains a wide gap between patients who need transplants and the organs that are available in India. Around 1.8 lakh people suffer from kidney failure every year, however, only 13,426 kidney transplants were performed in 2023. An estimated 25,000 to 30,000 liver transplants are needed annually in India, but only 4491 were performed in 2023. Similarly, out of several thousand people suffering from heart failure, only 221 received a heart transplant. In the case of corneas, about 25,000 transplants are performed annually against a requirement of 1 lakh.

This noble act of organ donation highlights the pressing need for organ donations in India, as there is a significant disparity between patients awaiting transplants and the availability of organs. Increasing awareness and participation in organ donation can bridge this gap and offer hope to countless lives in need. 

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This year, Hikal expects around 70–100 employees to voluntarily donate blood during the drive. In 2023, a similar camp was held in collaboration with the Red Cross, where approximately 60 employees participated. The increasing turnout reflects a strong sense of social responsibility among Hikal’s workforce.

The Panoli site holds a unique position among Hikal’s manufacturing locations, as it houses all three of the company’s business divisions—Pharma, Animal Health, Crop Protection, and Specialty Chemical. This makes it not just a strategic manufacturing hub but also a vibrant community of employees whose collective efforts power Hikal’s multi-sectoral impact.

Sameer Hiremath, Managing Director, Hikal, said: “At Hikal, responsibility doesn’t end at business. Through our CSR program, ‘Kaushalya’, we are committed to strengthening the health and well-being of the communities we operate in. This blood donation drive reflects our larger mission to create meaningful change and contribute to a healthier society.”

Ratish Jha, President – Human Resources, Hikal, added: “Our approach to community development is deeply embedded in our values. With Kaushalya, we don’t just respond to needs—we invest in long-term impact, from healthcare and education to local infrastructure. The blood donation drive is yet another step in building resilient, empowered communities around Panoli.”

Dr. Omkarsinh Parihar, Blood Bank Officer, Unity Blood Centre, said: “We are thankful to Hikal for their consistent support in promoting community health. Their leadership and sustained employee involvement set a benchmark for responsible corporate citizenship. We hope more companies are inspired to follow suit.”

With its diverse operations, the Panoli facility stands at the heart of Hikal’s manufacturing ecosystem. Initiatives like this not only enhance public health and safety but also reflect Hikal’s enduring commitment to inclusive growth and sustainability.

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Every 27 seconds, someone in the world is diagnosed with a blood cancer or a blood disorder, and for many people affected a stem cell transplantation is the only hope for a cure. For both initial and repeat transplants, finding a match and getting the stem cells to the patient as quickly as possible is very important as this has a major impact on survival. But even when a match is found, it can take up to 12 weeks before transplantation takes place, making the procedure a race against time. It remains a race against time.

Therefore, it is important to develop additional approaches to stem cell transplantation to speed up the process. This urgent need was the initial motivation to expand the activities for processing and storing cryopreserved stem cells for the DKMS Stem Cell Bank. Experience Studies show that the average stem cell donor produces more stem cells than are needed for a transplant. If the donor meets certain criteria and gives consent, the excess cells collected during apheresis are preserved at very low temperatures. The scientific term for preserving these types of cells is cryopreservation (from the Greek “kryos”, cold). In this state, the cells can be stored in special cryotanks, until they are requested for another person with blood cancer. Once a request is received, it usually takes up to three business days to transport the material – an advantage that saves valuable time in the race against blood cancer.

“This approach is straightforward and one hundred percent ethical for our voluntary donors. We only approach those who donate to a specific person anyway. This way, our donors can save two lives with one donation,” said Dr. Alexander Platz, Medical Director of the DKMS Stem Cell Bank.

First transplantation of stem cells from the cryotank

The first transplantation of such cryopreserved stem cells from the DKMS Stem Cell Bank showed that this is not just theory. The patient received this transplant as a second graft. The stem cells used were cryopreserved and stored at the time of the first transplant. The fact that the cells were already available in the DKMS Stem Cell Bank had many advantages: the confirmatory typing and the preliminary examination had already been carried out, and the donation arrived at the transplantation center within a few days. This allowed the patient to receive the stem cells he needed as soon as possible. At the same time, the donor did not have to make any additional effort, since a second donation was not necessary. A second donation is not a single case. Generally, about one in 30 donors donates stem cells for a second time, mostly for the same patient. Since the stem cells have been stored in the DKMS Stem Cell Bank, this will not always be necessary in the future – two stem cell grafts were obtained from one collection, and both have now been used.

The first transplantation of cryopreserved stem cells from the DKMS Stem Cell Bank proves that this approach is more than just a theory. The patient received the transplant as a second graft, using stem cells that had been cryopreserved and stored at the time of the initial transplant. Having these stem cells readily available in the DKMS Stem Cell Bank offered several advantages: confirmatory typing and preliminary examinations had already been completed, and the donation reached the transplantation center within a few days. This enabled the patient to receive the necessary stem cells as quickly as possible without requiring the donor to undergo another procedure, as a second donation was unnecessary.

Second donations are not uncommon; approximately one in 30 donors donates stem cells a second time, usually for the same patient. However, with stem cells now stored in the DKMS Stem Cell Bank, such additional donations may no longer be required in many cases. From a single collection, two stem cell grafts were obtained and have both been successfully used.

“The whole team in Dresden was very happy about this first stem cell transplantation from the DKMS Stem Cell Bank. The delivery process from the cryotank to the patient and the transplantation went smoothly, but now we have to keep our fingers crossed. We truly hope that the treatment will now have the desired effect,” said Dr. Alexander Platz.

The DKMS Life Science Lab, the Clinical Trials Unit, the DKMS Collection Center, and the Collaborative Biobankare further facilities that contribute to research and development in the field of stem cell donation in the science hub of Dresden, Germany.

In this case, the DKMS does not disclose any further information in order to maintain anonymity. Patients should be given the opportunity to fully concentrate on themselves and their recovery during this physically and mentally difficult time. Only after a two-year period and with the consent of both parties can anonymity be rescinded.

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The event drew the support of 51 generous donors, including employees, guests, and community members who came together to make a positive impact.

Sajid Dhanani’s vision for Sayaji extended beyond hospitality, emphasizing a commitment to community welfare and social responsibility. This annual blood donation drive, now in its eleventh year, is a tribute to his memory and dedication to supporting critical healthcare needs.

“We are humbled by the consistent support we receive from our team and the community each year,” said cluster General Manager AJAY KANOJIYA. “Honoring Mr. Dhanani’s memory through this life-saving initiative aligns with the values he championed, and it’s an honor to carry his legacy forward in this meaningful way.”

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PUNE: The Organ Donation Summit, hosted by Manipal Organ Sharing & Transplant (MOST) in association with ZTCC Pune, ISCCM Pune, and MOHAN Foundation, concluded on October 5, 2024, in Pune. The two-day event brought together leading national and international experts in organ donation and transplantation to discuss important topics such as “Donation after Circulatory Death” (DCD) and “Quality Assessment in Organ Donation,” which set new standards for organ donation procedures in India.  Dr. (Col) Avnish Seth, VSM, Head of Manipal Organ Sharing & Transplant (MOST) served as the Organizing Chairperson.

National and international specialists presented their perspectives, with particular focus on the potential for Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) to boost India’s donor pool. This summit was also the first time that Quality Assessment in organ donation and the need for Key Performance Indicators specific to India were discussed.  The summit was also a final step in the creation of a consensus statement of the National Consortium on Normothermic Regional Perfusion (NRP) for DCD. The event also investigated new technology and techniques for improving donation processes and outcomes.

While speaking at the summit, Dr. (Col) Avnish Seth, VSM, Head, Manipal Organ Sharing & Transplant (MOST) said, “In 2023 we crossed 1000 organ donors following brain death for the first time in India. In brain death, the heart is still beating so that the blood supply to organs continues. We are now moving towards establishing protocols for DCD. Here, since the heart has stopped, one must move quickly to save organs. One of the ways this can be done effectively is by re-establishing circulation for 2 to 4 hours by a process called Normothermic Regional Perfusion (NRP). Through Organ Donation Summit 2024, we have made significant progress towards developing a low-cost, hybrid, extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation system for NRP in India. This summit marks a critical turning point for organ donation in India, and the innovations and discussions we’ve seen here will help improve transplant outcomes and save more lives in the years to come.”

Dilip Jose, Managing Director and CEO, of Manipal Hospitals, “At Manipal Hospitals, we believe that organ donation is a powerful way to give others a second chance at life. The MOST Summit represents our commitment to raising awareness and improving the systems that make this life-saving practice possible. Our goal is to ensure that every patient in need of a transplant has access to the care they deserve, and that organ donation becomes a more widely understood and accepted practice in India.”

Dr. Anil Kumar, Director, of the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO), “Organ donation is one of the most powerful ways to give someone a new lease on life. Quality assessment at each step from early identification of potential donors to organ retrieval and transplantation is important for achieving excellence and promoting best practices in the field.’ With thousands of people in need of transplants, people need to understand the impact they can make by becoming organ donors after death.”

The highlight of the summit was the presentation of a low-cost hybrid Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) circuit for normothermic regional perfusion, a technology specifically designed to improve organ preservation in DCD scenarios. This innovation is poised to revolutionize the organ donation process by increasing the viability of organs for transplantation, thus saving more lives.

A significant part of the Organ Donation Summit 2024 focused on navigating the ethical and practical challenges surrounding the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, a crucial aspect of DCD. The summit concluded with a strong call for deeper collaboration among healthcare professionals, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations to establish a sustainable organ donation framework so that more lives can be saved through timely transplants.

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The blood donation drive kicked off at the MultiFit Kalyani Nagar Annexe on June 15, followed by MultiFit Kharadi on June 16, MultiFit Baner on June 17, and concluded at MultiFit Dhanori on June 18. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from fitness enthusiasts, residents, and the MultiFit community, showcasing the spirit of solidarity and community service.

Deepti Sharma, Director of MultiFit, expressed her gratitude and pride in the success of the event. She said, “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response we received at all our locations. The success of this blood donation drive underscores the commitment of our members and the local community toward societal well-being. At MultiFit, we believe in not only fostering physical fitness but also in making a positive impact on society. This drive is a testament to our core values of health, community, and responsibility.”

MultiFit, founded in 2015, has rapidly grown to become a renowned name in the fitness industry with over 35 centers across India and the UK. Known for its holistic and functional approach to fitness, MultiFit blends conventional training with advanced functional training, offering a diverse range of fitness programs. These include HIIT, strength training, yoga, Pilates, and combat sports, catering to various fitness needs and levels. The brand is committed to promoting a balanced and healthy lifestyle, encouraging members to pursue fitness engagingly and enjoyably.

The blood donation drive collected a significant amount of blood, which will be instrumental in saving lives and supporting medical treatments. The event also raised awareness about the importance of regular blood donation and its impact on public health.

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PUNE: In a significant medical achievement, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Hadapsar, successfully performed a liver transplant on Sanjay Chavan (name changed) who is from Washim, who had been suffering from decompensated liver cirrhosis for the past three years. This life-saving surgery underscores the importance of timely medical intervention and the profound impact of organ donation.

Chavan had been battling severe liver issues, including a rise in bilirubin levels and ascites. His condition required an immediate liver transplant. Fortunately, a 47-year-old man who had suffered a brain hemorrhage generously donated his liver. The donor was brought to Sahyadri Hospital in an emergency, where the organ donation process was facilitated.

ZTCC’s organ allocation process played a crucial role in this life-saving procedure. According to ZTCC guidelines, priority is given to recipients registered at the same hospital as the donor. Mr. Sanjay, being the registered recipient at Sahyadri Hospital, was prioritized for the transplant.

“Sanjay’s case is a testament to the importance of timely intervention, effective counseling, and the coordinated efforts of our medical team. Just last month, our team achieved another milestone by completing the first liver transplant at our Hadapsar facility. We are grateful to the donor’s families for their noble decisions, which have given these patients new leases on life. This series of successful procedures demonstrates our team’s dedication and the advanced medical capabilities at Sahyadri Hospital. We aim to continue providing such life-saving interventions and improving patient outcomes,” said Dr. Bipin Vibhute, Head of Liver & Multi-organ Transplant Dept., Sahyadri Hospitals, Pune.

The successful transplant was performed by a highly skilled team of doctors, including Dr. Bipin Vibhute, Dr. Apurv Deshpande, Dr. Anirudha Bhosale, Dr. Dinesh Zirpe, Dr. Radhika, Dr. Manish Pathak, Dr. Manoj Raut, Dr. Sheetal Mahajani, Dr. Kiran Shinde along with Transplant coordinator Rahul Tambe and Priyanka Bhujbal. The critical care support was provided by Dr. Kapil Borawake and Dr. Satish from the ICU team. The entire process, from donor identification to transplant, was executed with precision, highlighting the hospital’s commitment to excellence in healthcare.

Just a month before this successful procedure, Sahyadri Hospital in Hadapsar had marked another milestone with its first-ever liver transplant at this facility. The recipient, a 49-year-old male from Parbhani, had been diagnosed with decompensated chronic liver disease. The availability of a suitable donor at the hospital enabled the medical team to carry out this groundbreaking surgery, setting a precedent for future life-saving interventions at Hadapsar.

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Dignitaries like Gujarat’s Minister of Forest and Environment Mulu Bera, Minister of Gujarat Tourism Sourabh Pardhi, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s senior volunteer Sandeep Jadhav were present on the occasion.

Giving more information about the same, Vineet Kuber said, “Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel had already expressed his wish to extend support to this historical theme park being built in Maharashtra in the form of Shivsrushti. He handed over a cheque of Rs 5 Crore to the foundation at the Chief Minister’s residence today. During this meeting, an urging invitation on behalf of the foundation was extended to Chief Minister Patel to visit Shivsrushti.”

“This donation will be utilized in the development of the second phase of Shivsrushti including the Goddess Bhavani Temple in Pratapgad, Rangmandal, Gangasagar, etc. It will also have a hall that would provide detailed information about the progress towards the concept of ‘Swarajya’ in the last 350 years, including the restoration of temples, the work done by the next generations, etc”, Kuber further added. He also informed that the foundation would put in all efforts to finish the formation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Rajsabha as well.

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