Kidwai achieves milestone with unique bone marrow transplant

NT Correspondent Bengaluru: The Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO), a state-run hospital, has achieved a breakthrough by performing its first-ever bone marrow transplant (BMT) for a seven-year-old boy suffering from Thalassemia, a severe genetic blood disorder. During his visit to the institute, Medical Education Minister Dr Sharan Prakash Patil commended the medical team for their remarkable work. He emphasised the urgent need to make bone marrow transplant services more accessible and affordable, particularly for economically disadvantaged families.

“In private hospitals, the cost of a BMT can range from Rs 7 to Rs 15 lakh, with allogeneic BMTs costing even more,” he explained. In contrast, KMIO offers this crucial treatment free of charge, reflecting the government's commitment to expanding specialised healthcare programs. Naveen Bhat, KMIO's administrator, provided insights into Thalassemia Major, a genetic disorder marked by an overproduction of small red blood cells, leading to severe anaemia and requiring monthly blood transfusions.

He noted that approximately 10,000 to 15,000 children in India are born with Thalassemia Major each year, representing about 25 per cent of the global incidence. The transplant was facilitated by various government schemes, including the Prime Minister's Relief Fund, Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, and others, ensuring that the child received free treatment.

Dr Vasundhara Kailasnath, Pediatric Hematologist and BMT physician detailed the treatment process, stating that the child underwent chemotherapy and immunotherapy before receiving a stem cell infusion from his sister. With one of the largest BMT units in India, KMIO is equipped with 14 beds and an intensive care unit (ICU), and it stands out as the only autonomous government hospital in Karnataka providing BMT services in the public sector.