Latest news with #InternationalThalassemiaDay
New Indian Express
09-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Expand blood transfusion services in Andhra Pradesh: Governor S Abdul Nazeer
VIJAYAWADA: Governor S Abdul Nazeer, who also serves as the president of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), AP State Branch, emphasised the pivotal role of the Red Cross in providing blood to the needy during the World Red Cross Day and International Thalassemia Day celebrations held at Raj Bhavan's Durbar Hall in Vijayawada on Thursday. Addressing the gathering, he stated that the Red Cross AP State Branch operates 20 blood centres, collecting over 65,000 units annually and issuing more than 1 lakh units of blood. He noted that one-third of these units are supplied free of cost to underprivileged patients undergoing treatment in government hospitals. Earlier, the Governor virtually inaugurated the Red Cross Thalassemia Blood Transfusion Centre at the Srikakulam District Red Cross Blood Centre and lauded the initiative for supporting children and individuals requiring critical transfusion services. He also directed officials to expand transfusion services at all blood centres equipped with component facilities. In another significant move, the Governor unveiled a plaque of the Red Cross Child Care, Women Welfare & Skill Development Centre in Kakinada. During the event, he presented Red Cross awards and medals to district collectors P Prasanthi (Rajahmundry), DK Balaji (Krishna), O Anand (Nellore), G Raja Kumari (Nandyal), Sagili Shan Mohan (Kakinada), P Ranjit Basha (Kurnool), C Naga Rani (Bhimavaram), and J Venkata Murali (Bapatla) for their exceptional contributions to the Red Cross movement. First Lady Sameera Nazeer, Dr M Hari Jawaharlal, Secretary to the Governor, YD Rama Rao, Chairman, and AK Parida, CEO & General Secretary of Red Cross Andhra Pradesh State Branch, along with other officials and Red Cross members, attended the event.
Hans India
09-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Society needs to unite to eradicate Thalassemia: Kishan Reddy
Hyderabad: Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy stated that 15 lakh children across the country are suffering from Thalassemia. He emphasised that the entire society must unite to eradicate this disease. Speaking at a meeting in the national capital organised by Coal India on the occasion of International Thalassemia Day, he expressed that children who are unaware of their fate, along with their families, endure significant mental and financial hardships. He urged everyone to take responsibility for raising awareness about Thalassemia in society. The central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has launched the 'Ayushman Bharat' scheme, which provides free medical treatment to millions of poor and middle-class individuals. Previously, those who fell ill often had to liquidate their assets or take loans to pay for treatment. Now, with the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme nationwide, families no longer have to bear the financial burden of hospital expenses. Kishan Reddy noted that Coal India has consistently played a crucial role in contributing to the country's economic and social development. Over the last ten years, it has invested more than Rs 6,000 crores under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs to improve the lives of people in remote areas, particularly where mining operations take place. Coal India also provides treatment for Thalassemia patients through the Thalassemia Bala Seva Yojana. He highlighted that approximately 15 lakh individuals in the country suffer from Thalassemia, requiring regular blood transfusions. This results in severe mental anguish for their families. Furthermore, medications related to this condition have had to be imported from abroad. In response, Coal India has stepped forward to support children affected by Thalassemia. Under the auspices of Coal India, financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each has been provided, and over 700 successful bone marrow transplant operations have been conducted. Initially launched in four hospitals, these services are now available in 17 hospitals, with plans to include at least one hospital in each state to provide treatment for Thalassemia children in the future. These hospitals offer treatment for both Thalassemia and aplastic anaemia. A dedicated Coal India portal has also been established to disseminate information about the disease in rural areas. Kishan Reddy mentioned, 'We are also providing health services to people living in mining areas through the District Mineral Fund. So far, we have invested Rs 1 lakh crore to develop the necessary infrastructure for rural communities.' Kishan Reddy stressed the importance of working towards a Thalassemia-free India, similar to the TB Mukt Bharat initiative. In addition to providing treatment, it is crucial for authorities to educate the public on preventive measures. He said that with collective effort and commitment, Thalassemia can be eradicated.
United News of India
08-05-2025
- Health
- United News of India
Maha: Health Minister launches One Step Towards Thalassemia Mukti campaign
West Mumbai, May 8 (UNI) On occasion of International Thalassemia Day on May eight, Maharashtra Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar and Minister of State Meghna Sakore-Bordikar on Thursday jointly launched ambitious 'One Step Towards Thalassemia Mukti' campaign here. Speaking at the launch, he spoke about extensive efforts being made to create public awareness about serious genetic blood disorders like Thalassemia and determination to get rid of Thalassemia through effective treatment methods. Abitkar said that the government was making efforts at various levels to bring about positive changes in the quality of life of thalassemia patients and for their complete rehabilitation. In this, regular blood transfusions, bone marrow transplants are being provided, along with free health consultations and guidance centres have also been set up, he added. UNI VKB SS
Gulf Today
08-05-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
UAE to have nationwide database for thalassemia patients by 2025 end
The Emirates Thalassemia Society (ETS) on Thursday organised the 3rd brainstorming forum marking the International Thalassemia Day at Fairmont Hotel in Dubai. Titled 'We gather you today to make you happy tomorrow', the forum was held under the patronage and in the presence of the wife of Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Advisor to the President of the State, Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of ETS. Sheikha Sheikha expressed her happiness about organising the third forum, which discussed ideas and came out with recommendations aimed at providing the best services to thalassemia patients. She also thanked the Ministry of Health and Prevention for its ongoing co-operation with the society as a strategic partner in many positive initiatives, which contributed and still contribute to spreading cultural and health awareness about thalassemia and limiting its spread by reducing the number of new births. The society and other foundations encourage the organization of such events, which have a significant impact on the development and prosperity of society, praising the initiative under which the most iconic landmarks of the country lit up in red as was the case over the past two years. Meanwhile, Abdul Basit Mardas, Vice President of ETS, revealed that a nationwide database for thalassemia patients was being created in co-operation and co-ordination with health authorities. The database is expected to be completed this year, he said. The number of patients with thalassemia registered with the ETS ranges between 700 and 800, while the number nationwide exceeds 1,500, he added, noting that work is underway to open a thalassemia centre in Abu Dhabi, bringing to four the total number of centres. Currently there are three thalassemia centres operating in Dubai, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, he said. The ETS has expanded its partnerships with new institutions that serve patients in all fields, he added. At the medical level, the ETS signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Laser Medical Centre 'LMC' for dentistry, with the aim of serving and caring for thalassemia patients who suffer from various dental problems, he added. It was agreed that a specific number of thalassemia patients eligible for support to be treated free of charge and others with discounts of up to 40 per cent on all services provided by the centre, he said, adding that another MoU was signed with the Global Advocacy and Legal Counsel to support the ETS. Khalida Khamma, Member of the Board of Directors, Secretary and Executive Director, stated that the discussions held at the brainstorming forum provide great hope for patients and their families, especially regarding new gene therapy, developments in bone marrow transplants and various specialties. The forum also discussed the need for patients to be brought closer to doctors to obtain conclusive answers to their questions, she added. The forum was attended by ETS board members, a group of doctors specializing in thalassemia, blood diseases, bone marrow transplantation, gene therapy and dentistry as well as nursing staff, social workers, administrators and a number of thalassemia champions and families. The forum, during which some success stories of thalassemia champions were displayed, discussed the needs of thalassemia patients and their expectations for the services provided to them.
The Hindu
08-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
A.P. Governor presents Red Cross awards to eight Collectors for outstanding services
Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, who is also the president of Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) A.P. State branch, participated in the World Red Cross Day celebrations, and also the International Thalassemia Day programme, at Raj Bhavan here on Thursday. The Governor virtually inaugurated the Red Cross Thalassemia Blood Transfusion Centre in the Srikakulam district Red Cross Blood Centre, from the Durbar Hall in Raj Bhavan. He also unveiled the plaque of the Red Cross Child Care, Women Welfare and Skill Development Centre, established in Kakinada. Addressing the District Collectors and other officers, Mr. Abdul Nazeer congratulated the officers and staff of the Srikakulam district branch, for their initiative to support children and patients who were in need of blood transfusion during treatment. The IRCS A.P. State branch was collecting more than 65,000 blood units every year from 20 blood centres, the Governor said. He directed the State branch officials to expand the blood transfusion services at all the IRCS Blood Centres where component facility was available. Later, the Governor presented Red Cross awards to East Godavari District Collector P. Prasanthi, Krishna Collector D.K. Balaji, Nellore Collector O. Anand, Nandyal Collector G. Raja Kumari, Kakinada Collector Sagili Shan Mohan, Kurnool Collector P. Ranjit Basha, West Godavari Collector C. Naga Rani, and Bapatla District Collector J. Venkata Murali, for their outstanding services and mobilising the maximum contributions towards the cause of Red Cross movement. First Lady Sameera Nazeer, Secretary to Governor M. Hari Jawaharlal, A.P. Red Cross Chairman Y.D. Rama Rao, CEO and General Secretary A.K. Parida, Chairmen of Red Cross district branches, officers and staff of Raj Bhavan were present.
