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Business Standard
6 hours ago
- Health
- Business Standard
ICMR-NIIH launches India's first national rare blood donor registry
In a first, the National Institute of Immunohaematology (NIIH) in Mumbai, operating under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has launched a national registry for rare blood donors. This initiative aims to help patients with uncommon blood types — especially those with conditions like thalassemia and sickle cell disease — who often need repeated blood transfusions. Dr Manisha Madkaikar, Director of the ICMR-Centre for Research Management and Control of Haemoglobinopathies (CRHCM) in Nagpur, told PTI that the ICMR-NIIH is currently in discussions with the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) to link this rare donor registry with *e-Raktakosh*, the government's existing blood availability portal. This integration will make it easier for people with rare blood groups to locate matching donors and blood banks, while also helping blood banks manage their donor records and supplies more efficiently. High demand for blood in India According to the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), India has over 4,000 licensed blood banks for its population of more than 142 crore. Dr Madkaikar pointed out that India has a significant need for blood transfusions due to a higher occurrence of blood disorders and pregnancy-related complications. 'Thalassemia itself contributes to 100,000 to 150,000 patients who require recurrent transfusions,' she said. She also highlighted the large-scale need for blood due to accidents and medical procedures. 'With more than 1,200 road accidents occurring every day in India, and with every year 60 million surgeries, 240 million major operations, 331 million cancer-related procedures, and 10 million pregnancy complications, a serious call for blood transfusion is recognised,' she added. Why minor blood group antigens matter? Most blood banks in India only match ABO and RhD antigens when issuing red blood cell components. But the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) has recognised over 360 antigens across 47 blood group systems. These lesser-known antigens are not routinely tested in India, Dr Madkaikar said. 'As a result, a mismatch of minor antigens between donor and patient blood group (BG) profiles can lead to red cell alloimmunisation (1–3 per cent in the general population, 8–18 per cent in thalassaemic patients). About 25 per cent of all immunised patients have been reported to receive unsatisfactory transfusion support due to presence of multiple antibodies or antibodies to high frequency antigens (HFA),' she explained. What counts as a rare blood group? Rare blood groups are typically those that lack high frequency antigens (seen in 1 in 1,000 people or less), are negative for common antigen combinations, or show a null phenotype. 'Meeting a demand for rare blood supply is challenging and time consuming for such patients. The need of a patient for rare blood can be the start of a series of events that may extend beyond the local blood centre and become a national or even an international search,' Dr Madkaikar said. To address this, a well-maintained database of rare and extensively typed blood donors is essential. Dr Madkaikar noted that 27 countries already have national rare donor registries. Until recently, India was not one of them. Earlier in 2019, ICMR-NIIH received approval for a Centre of Excellence project aimed at screening 4,000 regular 'O' group blood donors from four regions of India. This was done using advanced molecular techniques in partnership with major hospitals — KEM Hospital in Mumbai, PGIMER Chandigarh, MCH Kolkata, and JIPMER Puducherry. 'More than 600 donors negative for combination of antigens were identified along with 250 very rare blood group donors. The registry also includes 170 Bombay blood group donors, which is the commonly required rare blood type in India (approx 120–150 units/year). To access this inventory (ICMR-Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI)), a web-based portal has been developed for systematic requisition and provision of blood to patients on time,' Dr Madkaikar said. She added, 'There is a plan to integrate this rare donor registry with e-Raktakosh of DGHS so that all the blood banks can contribute their rare donors and help in expansion of the registry. Last month we held a meeting with the DGHS.' India's first diabetes biobank In another landmark step last year, ICMR had established the country's first diabetes biobank in Chennai, in collaboration with the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF). This facility collects, processes, and stores biological samples to support scientific research into diabetes and related disorders. The biobank aims to enhance understanding of the Indian forms of diabetes and contributes to ongoing studies, with appropriate permissions from ICMR.
The Print
6 hours ago
- Health
- The Print
ICMR prepares India's first national rare blood donor registry
The integration will help people with rare blood groups easily trace blood banks and procure blood. It will also assist the blood banks manage their stock and donors through a centralised system. The ICMR-NIIH is now in talks with the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) so that the rare donor registry portal can be integrated with e-Raktakosh, a platform which currently provides information about blood availability, Dr Manisha Madkaikar, Director of ICMR-Centre for Research Management and Control of Haemoglobinopathies (CRHCM) in Nagpur said. New Delhi, Jun 21 (PTI) The National Institute of Immunohaematology in Mumbai under the India Council of Medical Research has for the first time created a national 'rare blood donor registry' for patients with rare and uncommon blood types who need frequent transfusion especially in conditions such as thalassemia and sickle cell disease. India, with a population of more than 142 crore, has over 4,000 licensed blood banks, according to the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). India relies heavily on transfusions due to a higher prevalence of blood diseases and complications during pregnancy, Dr Madkaikar said. 'Thalassemia itself contributes to 1 to 1.5 lakh patients who require recurrent transfusions,' she said. Additionally, with more than 1,200 road accidents occurring every day in India, and with every year 60 million surgeries, 240 million major operations, 331 million cancer-related procedures, and 10 million pregnancy complications, a serious call for blood transfusion is recognised, she said. In majority of blood banks in India, only ABO and RhD are antigens matched prior to cross-matching for issuing of red blood cell components. However, the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) has recognised more than 360 antigens in 47 blood group systems. Blood banks do not perform testing of these minor blood group antigens routinely, explained Dr Madkaikar. 'As a result, a mismatch of minor antigens between donor and patient blood group (BG) profiles can lead to red cell alloimmunization (1-3 per cent in the general population, 8-18 per cent in thalassaemic patients). About 25 per cent of all immunized patients have been reported to receive unsatisfactory transfusion support due to presence of multiple antibodies or antibodies to high frequency antigens (HFA),' she said. Rare blood groups are those which lack HFA (1:1000 or less), or are negative for a combination of common antigens, or have a null phenotype. 'Meeting a demand for rare blood supply is challenging and time consuming for such patients. The need of a patient for rare blood can be the start of a series of events that may extend beyond the local blood centre and become a national or even an international search,' Dr Madkaikar said. To overcome this challenge, an inventory of extensively typed blood donors and rare blood type donors is required, she said. For this, internationally 27 countries have operational national rare donor registry programmes. India, however, is not a contributor country, she said. In 2019, however, ICMR-NIIH was granted Centre of Excellence project under the aegis of ICMR, where an initiative was taken to screen 4,000 'O' group regular blood donors for all clinically important antigens using high throughput molecular assays, from four different regions of India in collaboration with the big blood banks from KEM Hospital Mumbai, PGIMER Chandigarh, MCH Kolkatta and JIPMER Puducherry. 'More than 600 donors negative for combination of antigens were identified along with 250 very rare blood group donors. The registry also includes 170 Bombay blood group donors, which is the commonly required rare blood type in India (approx 120-150 units/year). To access this inventory (ICMR-Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI)), a web-based portal has been developed for systematic requisition and provision of blood to patients on time,' Dr Madkaikar said. 'There is a plan to integrate this rare donor registry with e-Raktakosh of DGHS so that all the blood banks can contribute their rare donors and help in expansion of the registry. Last month we held a meeting with the DGHS,' she said. PTI PLB ZMN This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Rare blood types hard to find? New ICMR registry could change that
The National Institute of Immunohaematology in Mumbai under the India Council of Medical Research has for the first time created a national 'rare blood donor registry' for patients with rare and uncommon blood types who need frequent transfusion especially in conditions such as thalassemia and sickle cell disease. The ICMR-NIIH is now in talks with the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) so that the rare donor registry portal can be integrated with e-Raktakosh, a platform which currently provides information about blood availability, Dr Manisha Madkaikar, Director of ICMR-Centre for Research Management and Control of Haemoglobinopathies (CRHCM) in Nagpur said. The integration will help people with rare blood groups easily trace blood banks and procure blood. It will also assist the blood banks manage their stock and donors through a centralised system. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Eat Ginger Everyday for 1 Month This is What Happens Tips and Tricks Undo India, with a population of more than 142 crore, has over 4,000 licensed blood banks, according to the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). India relies heavily on transfusions due to a higher prevalence of blood diseases and complications during pregnancy, Dr Madkaikar said. Live Events "Thalassemia itself contributes to 1 to 1.5 lakh patients who require recurrent transfusions," she said. Additionally, with more than 1,200 road accidents occurring every day in India, and with every year 60 million surgeries, 240 million major operations, 331 million cancer-related procedures, and 10 million pregnancy complications, a serious call for blood transfusion is recognised, she said. In majority of blood banks in India , only ABO and RhD are antigens matched prior to cross-matching for issuing of red blood cell components. However, the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) has recognised more than 360 antigens in 47 blood group systems. Blood banks do not perform testing of these minor blood group antigens routinely, explained Dr Madkaikar. "As a result, a mismatch of minor antigens between donor and patient blood group (BG) profiles can lead to red cell alloimmunization (1-3 per cent in the general population, 8-18 per cent in thalassaemic patients). About 25 per cent of all immunized patients have been reported to receive unsatisfactory transfusion support due to presence of multiple antibodies or antibodies to high frequency antigens (HFA)," she said. Rare blood groups are those which lack HFA (1:1000 or less), or are negative for a combination of common antigens, or have a null phenotype. "Meeting a demand for rare blood supply is challenging and time consuming for such patients. The need of a patient for rare blood can be the start of a series of events that may extend beyond the local blood centre and become a national or even an international search," Dr Madkaikar said. To overcome this challenge, an inventory of extensively typed blood donors and rare blood type donors is required, she said. For this, internationally 27 countries have operational national rare donor registry programmes. India, however, is not a contributor country, she said. In 2019, however, ICMR-NIIH was granted Centre of Excellence project under the aegis of ICMR , where an initiative was taken to screen 4,000 'O' group regular blood donors for all clinically important antigens using high throughput molecular assays, from four different regions of India in collaboration with the big blood banks from KEM Hospital Mumbai, PGIMER Chandigarh, MCH Kolkatta and JIPMER Puducherry. "More than 600 donors negative for combination of antigens were identified along with 250 very rare blood group donors. The registry also includes 170 Bombay blood group donors, which is the commonly required rare blood type in India (approx 120-150 units/year). To access this inventory (ICMR-Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI)), a web-based portal has been developed for systematic requisition and provision of blood to patients on time," Dr Madkaikar said. "There is a plan to integrate this rare donor registry with e-Raktakosh of DGHS so that all the blood banks can contribute their rare donors and help in expansion of the registry. Last month we held a meeting with the DGHS," she said.
The Hindu
10 hours ago
- Health
- The Hindu
India set to integrate rare blood donor registry with e-Rakt Kosh
In what would be a life, time and cost saving move for people with rare blood groups in India the Central Health Ministry is looking at integrating the country's Rare Donor Registry with the national online platform for blood bank management and blood availability information called e-Rakt Kosh. The integration will allow those with rare blood groups to access a centralized system developed under the National Health Mission (NHS), providing details on blood banks, blood availability, and blood donation camps across the country. Essentially, it will help people find blood and blood banks, and assist blood banks manage their stock and donors. 'Indian Council of Medical Research- National Institute of Immunohaematology (NIIH) along with four partnering institutes created a data base of 4,000 carefully screened donors, tested for over 300 rare blood markers. It helps doctors find rare and specially matched blood quickly. Rare donor registry of India (RDRI) platform has been developed to help patients across India,' said Manisha R. Madkaikar, director, Indian Council of Medical Research's (ICMR)-NIIH and Centre for Research, Management and Control of Heamoglobinopathies (CRMCH). She added that the integration project will be taken up soon and will offer more access and support to those with rare blood group. 'The challenge is to ensure that we have a steady, motivated group of donors who stay connected to the blood banks,' she said. Explaining how this the registry for rare blood group helps Dr. Madkaikar said that this system helps find rare matches as the registry includes ultra-rare type like Bombay blood group, P-Null and Rh-null blood. It also helps ensure safer transfusions where matches are available for patients missing multiple antigens (common in thalassemia and sickle cell) to prevent complications. 'The group has also developed a special blood screening kit tailored for Indian patients and it uses DNA test (multiplex PCR) to quickly identify rare blood types,' said Dr. Madkaikar. She added at in the past this registry has been used to turn nearly impossible search into life-saving solutions and with the integration and reach India could work towards ensuring that no life is lost due to lack of blood. Meanwhile, working the area of effectively managing hemoglobinopathies ICMR-NIIA has also developed point of care test to detect life-threatening blood related genetic disorders. 'The Health Technology Assessments (HTA) led by Department of Health Research (DHR) and ICMR-CRMCH and NIIH helped cut the cost of sickle cell diagnostic kits from ₹350 to under ₹50 per test, saving the government nearly ₹1,857 crore,' said a note issued by ICMR-CRMCH. 'India has developed testing for Hemophilia A and Von Willebrand Disease and now World Federation for Hemophilia has shown interest in procuring these tests for deployment in countries where the disease is prevalent. For India this new rapid, visual card testing device has made testing possible even at primary health centers,' said Dr. Madkaikar. This upgraded testing is cheaper than what is currently available. India has about 1.4 lakh Hemophilia patients which is the second highest globally after Brazil. Hemophilia is a rare genetic disorder where the blood doesn't clot properly due to a deficiency in clotting factors. The technology for the POC test for these conditions was transferred to Bengaluru based biotechnology firm Bhat Biotech which commercialised it under the brand name Bio-Scan in August, 2023.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Former BJP minister's corruption allegations: Goa court tells police to register FIR
A sessions court in Goa has directed the Goa Police to register an FIR to investigate bribery allegations raised by BJP leader and former Goa transport minister Pandurang Madkaikar. In March, Madkaikar alleged that ministers in the ruling BJP government were 'busy counting money' and that he had paid a bribe of Rs 15-20 lakh to the personal assistant of a minister to process a file. Later, Madkaikar withdrew the allegations. However, a group of activists led by one Kashinath Shetye lodged a complaint with the anti-corruption branch of the Goa Police in March, seeking an investigation into the matter. The complainants also sought action against Madkaikar if the investigation proved that he had made a false statement. They then filed an application in the court of the Sessions Judge, North Goa, Tiswadi Merces, under section 175(3) of the BNSS, seeking directions for an FIR to be lodged. The police opposed the application. In an order last week, the court directed the police inspector of the anti-corruption branch 'to register FIR and proceed in accordance with law'. Shetye submitted to the court that after receiving the complaint, an FIR ought to have been registered and an inquiry ought to have been carried out by the investigating agency. The counsel for police submitted that an inquiry has been conducted and, 'since the ingredient of the offence have not been made out, the offence is not registered'. However, the court observed that a video of Madkaikar making corruption allegations, which had gone viral, 'by itself ought to have been the material for registering the FIR'. Observing that an FIR should be registered, the court said that 'whether the statements were made correctly or wrongly ought to have been decided after registering of the FIR'. 'The statements made by Pandurang Madkaikar definitely show that huge amount is required to be paid as bribe to clear the files. The applicants have alleged that the culprits ought to have been booked under section 7 and under section 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act,' the court said. On March 4, Madkaikar, who served as a minister in the Manohar Parrikar-led Cabinet, had told the media, 'I will tell you very frankly, it's not corruption, it's loot. Loot is going on in Goa. Rampant loot… All Ministers are busy counting money. Last week, I paid Rs 15-20 lakh to one minister for a small work (sic). He took one file, which I had processed from the department…to his home and left a message that if someone comes to inquire about that file, tell that fellow to come and meet me. So, I sent my manager to meet the minister… Then he was told to meet his PA. He met his PA, and the PA directly demanded Rs 15-20 lakh. I was also a minister. So, I know what procedures are followed in that department.'
