RSS affiliated lab to test 1 lakh for sickle cell and thalassaemia
Nagpur: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's
Lok Kalyan Diagnostics
launched a sickle cell,
thalassaemia awareness campaign
, wherein it will provide personalised counselling to patients and conduct blood tests for 1 lakh citizens across Vidarbha by October 2. The initiative aims to elevate public understanding of these genetic blood disorders, strategically timed to coincide with World Thalassaemia Day on May 8.
The campaign was officially inaugurated on May 1. Dr Prashant Joshi, director of AIIMS; Jai Prakash Dwivedi, CMD of WCL; Hemant Pandey, director (HR), WCL; social activist Dadaji Kothe; Dr Vijaykumar Tungar, chairman of Lok Kalyan Diagnostics; and Dr Dilip Gupta, chairman of the Lok Kalyan Samiti were present.
Dr Prashant Joshi emphasised the institution's commitment, stating, "AIIMS established a dedicated sickle cell unit where patients receive free treatment. Also, we are on the verge of launching a new bone marrow laboratory, which will significantly enhance our diagnostic capabilities and support for patients."
JP Dwivedi assured full cooperation, noting, "The public welfare committee can count on our complete support. A significant 60% of WCL's CSR funds are specifically allocated to the healthcare sector, reflecting our commitment to the well-being of the community."
During the event, Lok Kalyan Diagnostics shared significant data gathered from their screening efforts across 9 districts of Vidarbha. To date, 58,293 individuals were screened through 496 camps. The findings revealed that 3,459 individuals were identified as carriers of either sickle cell or thalassaemia. The total percentage of carriers stands at a high 5.93% in Vidarbha.
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