KOCHI: Ahead of World Blood Cancer Day, DKMS Foundation India, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and other blood disorders, honoured lifesavers from Kerala who have given patients a second chance at life. These eight warriors selflessly donated blood stem cells to save the lives of patients battling blood cancer and blood disorders. These generous donors shared their deeply personal journeys, recounting how the act of donation not only saved strangers’ lives but also profoundly transformed their own. Moved by their own experiences, they urged more individuals to come forward, register as potential stem cell donors, and become the hope someone urgently needs to survive.

To mark World Blood Cancer Day, observed on May 28, DKMS Foundation India organized a special event to celebrate the incredible spirit of stem cell donation. At the event, eight donors, Sai (doctor from Calicut), Midhun (IT professional from Calicut), Kishor (IT professional from Palakkad), Abdul (IT professional from Malappuram), Sanjay (IT professional from Trivandrum), Hameem (civil engineer from Kollam), Amina (general physician from Kozhikode), and Rashid (graduate from Kerala) were felicitated for their selfless act of donating blood stem cells. Their actions have not only given patients a new lease on life but have also made them influential ambassadors of awareness and hope.

In India, blood cancer patients often face overwhelming odds when it comes to accessing life-saving stem cell transplants. With only 1 in a million people likely to find a fully matched donor, searching for a suitable match becomes an urgent and often heartbreaking struggle against time. Despite the proven, life-changing potential of stem cell transplantation, the severe shortage of registered donors remains a major barrier to timely treatment. Each year, over 70,000 lives are lost to blood cancer in the country, a disease that accounts for 8% of all new cancer diagnoses.

Patrick Paul, Chairman, DKMS  India, said: “Behind every blood cancer diagnosis is a family holding on to hope, and that hope often hinges on finding a matching stem cell donor. In a country of over a billion people, the fact that only 0.5 million are registered as potential donors is a gap we cannot afford. Kerala has shown encouraging intent with over 21,964 registrations, but we need many more to step forward. A single act of kindness can mean the difference between life and loss for someone, somewhere.”

Dr. Nitin Agarwal, MD, Transfusion Medicine, HoD, Donor Request Management, DKMS Foundation India, said: “A blood stem cell transplant from a matching HLA donor is often the most promising chance of survival for patients with blood cancer or severe blood disorders. However, only about 30% of patients can find a suitable match within their families. The remaining 70% depend on unrelated donors, but with just 0.09% of India’s population registered, the odds are heartbreakingly low. Increasing awareness and donor registrations is not just important, it’s lifesaving.”

He added: “Misconceptions that stem cell donation is painful or harmful continue to discourage many from registering. The procedure is safe, straightforward, and has no lasting impact on the donor’s health. By spreading awareness and addressing these fears, we can motivate more people to become lifesaving donors.”

Dr. Amina A.P. Shahala, a 25-year-old general physician and donor from Kozhikode, said: “As a doctor, I have always believed in healing, but donating my blood stem cells gave me a unique chance to save a life beyond the hospital walls. The process was safe, well-guided, and deeply fulfilling. Knowing that someone, somewhere, has a second chance at life because of my simple act is truly heartening.”

Sharing his experience, Rashid, a 28-year-old graduate from Kerala, said: “Knowing that my stem cell donation gave someone a second chance at life is an indescribable feeling. It’s rare to get an opportunity to make such a profound impact, and I am grateful to DKMS for guiding me through the process with such care. I encourage everyone to register because becoming a donor means becoming someone’s hope.”

Dr. Chepsy C. Philip, Clinical Hematology & Bone Marrow Transplant Physician at Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Thiruvalla, said: “Blood cancers like lymphoma, myeloma, and leukemia continue to claim lives in India, yet stem cell transplants offer real hope—with success rates of 60–80% when performed on time. However, while over 100,000 patients need transplants each year, fewer than 3,000 receive one. Every day, I see patients desperately waiting for a match. Each new donor isn’t just a number—it’s a lifeline. We need many more, and we need them now.”

Since its inception in 2019, DKMS Foundation India has registered over 200,000 potential stem cell donors and facilitated more than 160 transplants, playing a crucial role in the fight against blood cancer. The foundation remains committed to saving lives by expanding its donor registry both in India and globally.

To register as a potential stem cell donor, one must be a healthy adult between 18 and 55 years of age. Registration requires filling up a simple consent form. A swab of the inside of the cheeks is taken to collect the tissue cells, which are then sent to a lab to be analysed for HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen). The potential donor is then listed anonymously on the international search platform for matching stem cell donors. Eligible individuals can register as blood stem cell donors by ordering a home swab kit at https://www.dkms-india.org/register-now and join the movement to save lives.

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BENGALURU: In keeping with the theme of International Women’s Day, “Accelerate Action,” DKMS Foundation India encourages empowering women to take leadership roles in creating awareness about stem cell donation and registering as potential stem cell donors.

The Foundation also celebrates three remarkable young women who dared to choose an untrodden path and, in doing so, gave patients battling life-threatening blood cancer and blood disorders a second chance at life! Three families experienced profound relief thanks to their compassionate stem cell donations.

Only 0.09% of the Indian population of the relevant age group is registered as blood stem cell donors. Only a few Indian female donors come forward to register as potential stem cell donors and donate due to family and societal restrictions. Misconceptions about health and fertility often prevent women from taking this step. Additionally, lack of awareness and misinformation about the stem cell donation process discourage them. DKMS Foundation India works to dispel such myths and misconceptions so that more patients can find matched unrelated stem cell donors.

Patrick Paul, spokesperson at DKMS Foundation India, says, “Women are now emerging as key contributors to the lifesaving donor pool. Their decision to register and donate is not just an act of kindness but a powerful statement of empowerment and change. 31% of potential blood stem cell donors registered with DKMS are female, and we hope more women will join our lifesavers squad.”

Navya Dhatri Vadde (22), a student from Hyderabad, registered as a potential blood stem cell donor approximately four years ago, inspired by her grandmother’s battle with leukemia. When she got the call in mid-2024 that she was a match, her initial reaction was disbelief. She embraced the opportunity to save a life. Navya traveled to Bangalore for the donation with her sister, overcoming her family’s concerns. After the procedure, her family beamed with pride, and her friends, moved by her act, showed interest in registering too. “A small act of kindness can change a life. Donating my blood stem cells was a moment of clarity—knowing that my pain was temporary, but my recipient’s hope could be lifelong. To every woman out there, I would say we have the power to heal, save, and inspire. Let’s take that step towards a better world, one donation at a time.” says Navya.

Jahnvi Parmar (36) signed up as a potential blood stem cell donor at a registration drive organized in Pune in 2020. A few months later,  She got the chance to donate her stem cells.  Jahnvi says, “When I first registered as a potential blood stem cell donor, I never imagined I would get the chance actually to save a life. But when the call came, there was no second thought—I knew this was my moment to help. The process was surprisingly simple and non-invasive, and knowing that my donation could give someone a second chance at life made it all worth it. If more people step forward, we can make a real difference. Every registration counts.”

Loni Lipsa Sahoo (24), a lawyer from Rourkela, Odisha, registered as a potential blood stem cell donor in 2021 after coming across an awareness post on social media during the lockdown. She traveled from Rourkela to Bangalore for the donation, supported by her mother and the DKMS Foundation India care team. “Registering as a blood stem cell donor was an instinctive decision—I didn’t overthink it; I just knew it was the right thing to do. When I was told I was a match, there was no hesitation. The process was simple and non-invasive, but the impact was life-changing. I stood my ground despite initial resistance; in the end, my family stood by me, too. Knowing that my donation could be a turning point in someone’s life is a feeling beyond words. If we can save a life, why shouldn’t we?” Loni asks.

“By sharing these real-life stories, we hope to inspire more women to take this powerful step,” says Patrick. “Every donor added to the registry increases the hope for patients desperately waiting for a match. Together, we can create a future where patients do not have to wait in uncertainty and give them a second chance at life!” he adds.

The Urgent Need for More Stem Cell Donors

Every five minutes, someone in India is diagnosed with a blood cancer or blood disorder. Many of them are children and young adults whose only hope for survival is a stem cell transplant from an HLA-matched donor. Unfortunately, India faces a significant shortage of registered stem cell donors, especially among women.

A successful transplant depends on finding a donor with a matching HLA type, which is determined by genetic markers. Since HLA types are inherited, patients are most likely to find a match within their ethnic community. However, with Indians being severely underrepresented in global and national registries, the odds of finding a compatible donor remain low.

On this International Women’s Day, DKMS Foundation India calls upon young, healthy individuals aged 18-55 to register as potential blood stem cell donors.

Registering is easy. Visit https://www.dkms-india.org/register-now to order your free home swab kit and join the movement to save lives.

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BENGALURU: DKMS BMST Foundation India has unveiled its #OneInAMillion campaign in collaboration with Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan, to address the critical shortage of blood stem cell donors in the country. This engaging initiative aims to spread awareness about the vital role of stem cell donation in giving blood cancer and blood disorder patients a second chance at life.

In India, every year, over 1 lakh people are diagnosed with blood cancer or blood disorders, yet less than 1% of the population is registered as potential blood stem cell donors. This campaign seeks to highlight the rarity of finding a matching donor, often compared to being “one in a million,” and to inspire more people to register as donors. DKMS-BMST, a leading organization in the fight against blood cancer, is dedicated to bridging this gap through awareness and action. With a focus on the vital role of blood stem cell transplantation and innovative patient support programs, DKMS-BMST is steadfast in its mission to bring hope and life-saving solutions to countless patients.

Patrick Paul, CEO, of DKMS-BMST Foundation India, commented on the campaign’s significance, saying, “India urgently needs more blood stem cell donors. This campaign combines creativity and technology to engage the public and raise awareness about a cause that can save countless lives. We hope ‘One in a Million’ inspires individuals to take action and make a difference.”

An integrated 360-degree marketing campaign “One in a million,” aims to reach the youth across India. This multi-channel and multi-platform campaign is designed to create a long-lasting impression on youngsters, educating them about the difficulties in finding a matching blood stem cell donor and illustrating DKMS-BMST’s dedication to patients with blood cancer and blood disorders.

At the core of the campaign is a unique virtual activity hosted on social media platforms, where white balloons can be seen floating over important monuments with one rare red balloon amid them, symbolizing the “one in a million” chance of a blood cancer patient finding a suitable blood stem cell donor. In addition to this, DKMS has also launched a web game challenging players to pop a maximum number of balloons in 27s. Interestingly, every 27 someone around the world is diagnosed with blood cancer. The game not only educates viewers about the importance of blood stem cell donation but also encourages them to request a free swab kit to register with DKMS-BMST and join the global registry.

Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan said, “Small actions like these create real hope and with every registration, we get closer to saving more lives.”

Every five minutes, a new case of blood cancer or a blood disorder such as Thalassemia or Aplastic Anemia is diagnosed in India. With only 0.6 million registered stem cell donors from India out of over 41 million globally, the need for matching blood stem cell donors is dire.

Through “One in a Million,” DKMS is not only creating a buzz online but also engaging individuals with outdoor activities sharing knowledge and tools to take part in this life-saving initiative. By registering as donors, participants can potentially transform lives and be the rare match that a blood cancer patient desperately needs.

To register as a potential stem cell donor, you must be a healthy Indian adult between 18 and 55 years of age. When you are ready to register, all you need to do is complete a consent form and swab the inside of your cheeks to collect your tissue cells. Your tissue sample is then sent to the lab to be analyzed and listed anonymously on the international search platform for matching stem cell donors. If you’re eligible, take the first step to register as a blood stem cell donor by ordering your home swab kit at www.dkms-bmst.org/register

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PUNE: In Pune, Maharashtra, significant advancements have been noted in the field of In-Vitro Fertilization, leading to success rates that currently range between 60%-65%. This improvement marks a notable increase from the success rates of 30%-35% observed two decades ago. This progress is largely due to advanced techniques such as embryo vitrification and the strategic transfer of blastocysts, which have substantially increased the likelihood of implantation.

Dr. Vaishali Chaudhary, Director- IVF & Fertility at Sahyadri Hospitals MomStory, Nagar Road, Pune, has shared valuable insights highlighting the key trends in the IVF landscape of Pune. According to her observations, approximately 50% of IVF patients in Pune are over the age of 35, indicating a trend towards later-stage family planning. Moreover, about 20% of IVF treatments in the area involve the use of donor eggs or sperm, underscoring the critical role of donor programs in overcoming genetic and age-related fertility issues.

Dr. Chaudhary also points out the various challenges faced by couples seeking IVF treatments, including the scarcity of specialized medical facilities in smaller towns, and the psychological aspect of treatment. To address these issues, strategies such as deep counseling, offering flexible payment options, and establishing virtual support groups have been implemented to assist couples throughout their fertility journey.

Dr. Chaudhary also stated, “The remarkable advancements in IVF technology and techniques over the past few years have significantly enhanced our ability to help families achieve their dreams of parenthood in MomStory. Our focus remains on improving both the technology and the approach to care, ensuring that every couple has the best possible support on their fertility journey.” This proactive approach also includes debunking common myths about IVF, such as the risks of abnormal children and exaggerated side effects of treatments, through extensive patient education and transparency.

As Pune continues to lead in IVF advancements, the ongoing enhancements in technologies and methodologies are expected to further improve success rates and patient experiences, making the dream of parenthood more accessible for more couples in the region.

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BENGALURU: In a bid to increase awareness about blood stem cell donation, DKMS BMST Foundation India, a non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancer, celebrates young women who recently donated stem cells. Recognizing women blood stem cell donors ensures more participation of young people in the stem cell registry, increasing the chances of finding a match and ultimately saving lives.

Sowmiya, a 28-year-old medical professional from Tamil Nadu, is an inspiring example of a woman committed to making a difference through stem cell donation. In March 2021, Sowmiya was matched with a patient. However, due to family concerns and COVID-19, she could not come forward for donations. Nevertheless, she was informed that she was the only person in the world whose HLA (tissue type) matched a blood cancer patient who desperately needed a stem cell transplant to survive. “The idea of being a lifesaving match for a patient was very captivating,” said Sowmiya. The patient could not find any other match and Sowmiya agreed to give a second chance at life to this patient after two years.

Sowmiya had some concerns and felt a bit anxious because her family was not supporting her decision, but the DKMS-BMST team addressed all her worries. They conducted various tests to ensure her health and well-being for donation, keeping her informed at every step and explaining the process thoroughly.

“Something so simple could potentially save someone’s life,” Sowmiya said. “I realized that the chances of finding a perfectly matched HLA type are one in a million, and I was ready and willing to be a donor,” she added.

Indians are underrepresented in stem cell registries. Increasing female participation can inspire others to follow. Their actions help create a more diverse and inclusive registry, boosting the chances of finding a match for anyone in need. “We hope Sowmiya ‘s story encourages more women to take this simple yet potentially life-changing step,” said Patrick Paul, CEO, of DKMS-BMST. “Together, we can build a strong and diverse stem cell registry offering hope to patients in need.”

Every 5 minutes, someone in India is diagnosed with blood cancer or a blood disorder like Thalassemia or Aplastic Anemia. Many such patients are children and young people whose only chance of recovery is a stem cell transplant. For a successful stem cell transplant, the patient needs to find an HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) matched donor. Most often, the majority of the patients are unable to receive a transplant due to the unavailability of a matching blood stem cell donor. With very few individuals signing up as potential blood stem cell donors, finding a matching donor is difficult. This increases the need for more people of Indian ethnicity to register themselves.

DKMS-BMST urges all eligible individuals to consider registering as stem cell donors. The process is simple and takes five minutes of your time.

To register as a potential stem cell donor, you must be a healthy Indian adult between 18 and 55 years of age. When you are ready to register, all you need to do is complete a consent form and swab the inside of your cheeks to collect your tissue cells. Your tissue sample is then sent to the lab to be analyzed and listed anonymously on the international search platform for matching stem cell donors. If you’re eligible, take the first step to register as a blood stem cell donor by ordering your home swab kit at www.dkms-bmst.org/register

So far, DKMS-BMST India has registered over 1,00,000 stem cell donors in the country, out of which 35,000 are women. DKMS-BMST has facilitated 110 stem cell transplants, out of which 14 donations are made by matched women donors, significantly impacting the fight against blood cancer. The organization aims to register more donors in India to give as many patients as possible a second chance at life.

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FARIDABAD: Two male patients, one of them 64 years old and the other 19 years of age, have successfully undergone hand transplantation at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad. This is the very first time that such a procedure has been conducted in North India. Significantly, this is also the first time in India (and only the second such case in the world) that a kidney transplant recipient has received a hand transplant. The two complex hand transplantation surgeries lasted for around 17 hours and were conducted in the last week of December 2023.

Gautam Tayal, the 64-year-old patient hailing from Delhi had undergone a kidney transplant 10 years ago, due to which he was already on immunosuppressants. About two years ago, he lost his left hand just above the wrist in an industrial accident in a factory. The hand that he received in the transplant belonged to a 40-year-old man who was declared brain dead following a head injury. The deceased man’s family generously agreed to donate his various organs, including his hands, immediately following his death. The donated hand was flown from Thane, near Mumbai, to Faridabad, where the doctors immediately started the procedure to transplant the hand.

Said Dr. Mohit Sharma, Professor & Head, Centre for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad: “This is not only North India’s first-ever hand transplantation, but also the first one in the country conducted on a kidney transplant patient. This is a very rare and exciting feat in medical science. To achieve the union of the two hands, we had to join two bones, two arteries, 25 tendons, and 5 nerves. The patient is doing well in the post-operative period and his hand movements are in recovery. He will be discharged within a week.”

Patient Gautam Tayal said, “I was devastated at losing my limb at this age. However, seeing Amrita Hospital’s stellar record of conducting hand transplants gave me hope for the future. This hand transplant has gifted me a new lease of life. I am so happy and grateful that God, and Amrita doctors, have given me a second chance to live my life to the full.”

The second-hand transplantation at Amrita Hospital Faridabad was conducted on a 19-year-old youth, Devansh Gupta, hailing from Delhi. He lost both upper limbs (hands) and the right lower limb above the knee in a train accident three years ago. The two hands he received in transplantation belonged to a 33-year-old man from Surat who was declared brain dead due to a chronic and fatal lung condition. His family readily agreed to donate his various organs, including his hands, immediately following his death, and that is when Devansh’s prayers for a new pair of hands were answered.  The hands were flown to Faridabad from Surat in a complex logistical operation.

Said Dr. Anil Murarka, Senior Consultant, Centre for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Amrita Hospital Faridabad: “The patient’s right limb was transplanted at the upper arm level and the left limb just above the elbow level. The higher the level of amputation, the more challenging the hand transplant becomes, and there are profound technical issues in upper-arm-level hand transplants. So far, the patient’s progress has been excellent. He needs to take immunosuppression lifelong so that the new hands are not rejected by his body. It will take him anywhere between 6 to 18 months to regain enough function in his new hands to do day-to-day activities. He also needs to undergo intensive physiotherapy including muscle stretching for another year.”

Said the patient Devansh Gupta: “When I lost both my hands at such a young age, I couldn’t come to terms with reality. It was a devastating loss from which it was impossible to recover. My life as I knew it came crashing down. Getting a new pair of hands seems like a dream come true to me. God has finally answered my prayers. I eagerly look forward to the day when I will feel the first sensation in my hands and be able to move my fingers. I thank the doctors of Amrita Hospital for giving me a new life and a new hope.”

Said Swami Nijamritananda Puri, Administrative Director, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Amrita doctors for achieving such a remarkable medical feat, particularly in successfully conducting a hand transplant on a kidney transplant recipient, which is India’s first. This accomplishment is a testament to the world-class infrastructure of our hospital and the exceptional skills of our surgeons. In a brief period, Amrita Hospital has emerged as one of the world’s leading institutions for hand transplants.”

Said Dr. Sanjeev Singh, Medical Director, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad: “My congratulations to Amrita doctors and everyone involved for the two successful hand transplants in Faridabad. This is a major medical feat. The hand transplant surgery posed a risk of kidney failure to the 64-year-old patient, but thanks to the entire team at Amrita, the surgery was a success. We now look forward to both the patients leading normal lives, like anyone else.”

The success of this complex operation was attributed to the concerted efforts of a multidisciplinary team. Key contributors include consultants in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, such as Dr. Shikha Gupta, Dr. Devajyoti Guin, Dr. Srilekha Reddy, Dr. Vasundhra Jain, and Dr. Arun Sharma. The Department of Anesthesiology, led by Dr. Mukul Kapoor and supported by Dr. Shaloo Garg, Dr. Niti Gulati, and Dr. Ketan Kulkarni, played a pivotal role in managing the patient throughout the procedure and the post-operative period. Orthopaedic surgeons, Dr. Mrinal Sharma and Dr. Priyadarshi Amit, along with their team, ensured the quick union of bones for limb stability.

In Nephrology, Dr. Zacharia Paul, Dr. Urmila Anand, and Dr. Kunal Gandhi managed crucial immunosuppression to prevent limb rejection. The Pathology Department, under the leadership of Dr. Gaurav and Dr. Arruparrna Sen Gupta, handled limb rejection diagnoses. Dr. Ansar Ul Haq and the Physical Medicine Department oversaw the patient’s rehabilitation post-transplantation, while Dr. Charu Dua looked nutrition of the patients. Silent contributors included nursing staff and OT technicians, including Ms. Shakti Khati, Ms. Rari Chandran, Ms. Sonia, Joginder, Rohitash, Virender, Neeraj, Akash, and ICU nurses Dharamender, Pradeep, Pawan, Megha, Pritika, Abbas, Nitika, Pramod, Swarnima, Nidhi, and Priyanka. Medical administration, represented by Dr. Danish, Mr. Ashwini Sarin, Ms. Nivedita, transplant manager Mr. Arjun, and Smt. Vani played a crucial role in logistical coordination, including the transportation of doctors and organs. Dr. Mohit Sharma also acknowledged the divine blessing of Amma, the institute’s founder, as the backbone of this surgical achievement.

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INDIA: Thalassemia, a genetic disorder affecting hemoglobin, presents a significant health challenge in India, with the world’s largest population of Thalassemia Major children and around 42 million carriers of the beta thalassemia trait. As the most prevalent genetic disorder globally and in India, Thalassemia Major requires focused attention. To combat this challenge, DKMS BMST Foundation India has come up with a Thalassemia Programme for such patients.

DKMS-BMST’s Thalassemia program has facilitated over 14,800 Thalassemia children and family members to receive free HLA typing, leading to 345 successful transplants and offering a transformative impact on their diagnostic accuracy and potential for stem cell transplantation.

The UN designates December 3rd as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and aims to raise awareness and understanding of various disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities. Thalassemia, as a disability, can be cured with a stem cell transplant, but there is only a 1 in a million chance that someone comes up as a match for a patient, and Indian patients mainly require an Indian tissue match.

Dr. Sunil Bhat, Director and Clinical Lead of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Blood and Marrow Transplantation at Narayana Health Group of Hospitals, said, “Because of International Day of Persons with Disability, it’s crucial to spotlight the challenges faced by Thalassemia patients in India. India is called the Thalassemia Capital of the World, as every year, more than 10,000 children are born with this genetic disease. Addressing the Thalassemia challenge in India requires a comprehensive approach, and stem cell transplantation is a cornerstone in this endeavor. It offers a real chance at a healthier life, disrupting the course of this genetic disorder and bringing newfound hope to individuals and their families. Thalassemia is a preventable genetic disorder, and prevalence has been brought down drastically in many countries with effective prevention strategies.”

Patrick Paul, CEO of DKMS BMST Foundation India, said, “The DKMS-BMST Patient Funding Programme and the DKMS-BMST Thalassemia Programme, integral to the DKMS mission, strive to enhance accessibility to transplantation for underprivileged patients in India. Collaborating with local NGOs and transplantation clinics, the Thalassemia program organizes events facilitating free HLA typing for pediatric patients and their siblings. DKMS Germany covers the associated costs. This initiative extends support to cases without matching siblings, aiding in an unrelated donor search. Since 2018, over 14,800 Thalassemia children and family members have received free HLA typing, leading to 345 successful transplants and offering a transformative impact on their diagnostic accuracy and potential for stem cell transplantation.”

To combat this challenge, DKMS BMST Foundation India has come up with a Thalassemia Programme for such patients. The program collaborates with local NGOs and transplantation clinics, organizing events facilitating free HLA typing for pediatric patients and their siblings. DKMS Germany covers the associated costs. This initiative extends support to cases without matching siblings, aiding in an unrelated donor search.

The DKMS-BMST Patient Funding Programme and the DKMS-BMST Thalassemia Programme, integral to the DKMS mission, strive to enhance accessibility to transplantation for underprivileged patients in India. With a vision to identify a matching donor within the family as well as support unrelated donor searches for patients who do not find a suitable match within their family.

Thalassemia is a preventable genetic disorder, and its prevalence has been brought down drastically in many countries with effective prevention strategies. However, India still faces a substantial burden of this condition, and experts call for awareness to combat this challenge. To register as a potential blood stem cell donor, please visit www.dkms-bmst.org/register.

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National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) then quickly allotted the organs as per their waiting list. One kidney was allocated to a 29-year-old male patient at `Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, and the other was allocated to a 60-year-old patient at Asian Institute of Medical Science, Faridabad the liver was allocated to a 59-year-old patient at Max Hospital, Dwarka. A green corridor was created on 29^th August at 8:06 AM by Delhi police from HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka to Max Hospital, Vaishali. Both the corneas were also retrieved by the eye bank.

Dr. Anurag Saxena, Head of Neurosurgery, HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka said, “After stabilization of his condition an urgent CT scan was done which revealed that he has suffered from a massive brain hemorrhage after which he was put on a ventilator. Despite intensive treatment under the care of Neurosurgery and Critical Care teams, he could not recover and was declared brain dead on 28^th August 2023.”

Dr. (Colonel) Avnish Seth VSM, Head, Manipal Organ Sharing & Transplant (MOST) said, “The team worked closely with the patient’s family, providing them with the required information and support so that they could make an informed decision. The family was very keen to donate all his organs. However, the lungs and heart could not be retrieved as they were unfit for transplantation. The liver and kidney were retrieved by our hospital team and transported for a successful transplantation. The family saved the lives of three patients in critical condition and gave the gift of sight to two others.”

Ms Viji Varghese, Director, HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka said, “The family’s decision to donate organs made a difference in the lives of others. The legacy of the donor will live on through the lives he has saved. Donating one’s organs is a gift of life, it is an opportunity to give someone else a second chance in life. We strongly encourage everyone to think about organ donation and to register as an organ donor. We can save lives if we work together.”

There is a wide gap between patients who need transplants and the organs that are available in India. 1.8 lakh people suffer from renal failure every year, however, only 15,000 renal transplants are done. An estimated 25,000 to 30,000 liver transplants are needed annually in India but only about 2000 are performed. Similarly, of several thousand who suffer from heart failure, only 200 get a heart transplant. In the case of Corneas, about 25,000 transplants are done every year against a requirement of 1 lakh.

The 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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