CMC Ludhiana observes World Thalassemia Day

Ludhiana, May 9, 2018: The Department of Clinical Hematology, Transfusion Medicine and Paediatrics celebrated the International Thalassemia Day in Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana on Wednesday. The highlight of this event was patient engagement and discussion, and was attended by over seventy patients and their families, under regular follow up with CMC Ludhiana.

The event was inaugurated by Chief Guest Dr. Beant Kaur Deputy Medical Commissioner, Punjab Health Corporation who stressed the importance of measures to be taken for Thalassemia prevention and treatment in the community. Dr. Parvinder Singh Sidhu, Civil Surgeon Ludhiana, also gave his best wishes for the event and encouraged everyone to come together in fight against Thalassemia. Faculty from the departments of Pediatrics, Transfusion Medicine and Clinical Hematology in CMC Ludhiana were present.

Addressing the gathering Dr. Parveen Sobti, ex-professor of Pediatrics, CMC Ludhiana enlightened all regarding outstanding steps being taken by CMC Ludhiana towards improving universal Thalassemia Care. Long term plans for accreditation by the Thalassemia International Federation (TIF) and recognition of CMC as a Centre of Excellence (CoE) were discussed. This recognition would enable provision of high quality, low cost care for patients with Thalassemia living in Punjab.

The unique model of Thalassemia care in CMC, consisting of inter departmental collaboration was discussed, with pre-natal diagnosis being offered for pregnant ladies by the departments of Obstetrics and Gynaeclogy, Paediatrics and Molecular Medicine. Dr. Jugesh Chhatwal, HOD Paediatrics informed the audience that the institute delivers comprehensive care for thalassemics. Dr. William Bhatti, Director CMC along with the Dr. Anil Luther, Medical Superintendent highlighted the exceptional care being provided to the patients of Thalassemia through multidisciplinary care established at CMCH, and the steps being taken to streamline the flow of patients and improve the efficiency of providing blood transfusion to these patients.

CMC Ludhiana is currently the only institution in Punjab to offer bone marrow transplantation for Thalassemia, with a state of the art BMT unit, with results comparable to those seen in western centers.Dr. Atul Goel, Professor of Pediatrics. Dr. Aikaj Jindal, in-charge blood bank, and Dr. Suvir Singh, Assistant Professor Clinical Hematology and BMT spoke to patients regarding thalassemia care. Over 100 posters were made by more than 80 students who participated in the poster competition held on May 8, 2018, the results of which were declared in the meeting. Dr. William Bhatti honored the winners with prizes and certificates.

Winners From College of Nursing
1st :Pushpanjali , Sukhdeep
2nd : Annie , Soumya
3rd: Shubhi &Janvi, Raspreet, Sunaina

Winners from Medical College
1st :Ruth & Davina
2nd :Rixon & Shrishty
3rd: Shakinah & Hannaa