Unified Mission To Eliminate Thalassemia On World Health Day Launched In PuneÂ
Unified Mission To Eliminate Thalassemia On World Health Day Launched In PuneÂ
In a significant step toward combating thalassemia, a severe genetic blood disorder, a statewide initiative was launched in Pune on World Health Day. The campaign is being driven jointly by the Jan Kalyan Samiti of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Jan Kalyan Blood Centre Chain, with a focus on patient care, early detection of carriers, and widespread awareness.
The launch event, held at Seva Bhavan, featured a special workshop attended by leading health experts and social workers. The goal was to bring together blood banks and organizations already working in the field to synchronize efforts and strengthen impact.
Prominent attendees included Bhayyaji Joshi, central executive member of RSS, Dr. Ajit Marathe, President of Jan Kalyan Samiti, Dr. Dilip Wani from the Jan Kalyan Blood Centre Chain, and Dr. Mahendra Kendre, Assistant Director at the State Blood Transfusion Council.
During the event, Bhayyaji Joshi stressed the importance of collective action. Drawing parallels with earlier health challenges tackled through public coordination, he emphasized the potential to create a society free from thalassemia through similar unified efforts.
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The workshop featured detailed sessions on various aspects of the disease. Dr. Ravindra Kulkarni from the Red Cross Society presented the scale and nature of the problem, while Dr. Chinmay Umarji shared current medical insights and advancements in treatment strategies.
Representatives from across the state shared their expertise:
- Dr. Manjusha Kulkarni and Dr. Liza Balsara from Sambhajinagar led discussions on patient care.
- Dr. Atul Kulkarni and Dr. Amar Satpute highlighted the need for rigorous thalassemia screening.
- Dr. Nita Munchi, President of the Thalassemia Society, and Dr. Mahendra Kendre provided insights on challenges and ongoing solutions.
- Pradeep Paradkar and Dr. Ashutosh Kale focused on the importance of building widespread awareness.
Thalassemia is an inherited condition that affects red blood cell production. When both parents are carriers, the likelihood of passing on the disease to children increases. There is currently no affordable permanent cure, and patients require lifelong blood transfusions.
The workshop brought together over 24 social organizations and 15 blood centers from 18 districts across Maharashtra. Many of these groups were recognized for their outstanding contributions to thalassemia care and awareness. The event marked the beginning of a sustained, collaborative mission toward creating a thalassemia-free future.
