Bihar to Fund Bone Marrow Transplants for Children with Thalassemia

Muzaffarpur: Children suffering from thalassemia in North Bihar will now be eligible for free bone marrow transplants under a government initiative aimed at providing a permanent cure for the life-threatening genetic disorder.

The initiative was launched during a special screening camp at Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur, where 255 relatives of 120 young thalassemia patients underwent bone marrow matching tests. The camp was inaugurated by Dr Abha Rani Sinha, principal of SKMCH, who briefed attendees on the testing procedure.

Dr Gopal Shankar Sahni, head of the paediatrics department, emphasised the significance of the initiative. “Bone marrow transplants can cost several lakhs, which is unaffordable for many families. Government support can be life-changing for these children,” he said.

The swab samples, primarily from siblings of the patients, will be sent to Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore in Tamil Nadu for laboratory analysis. If a suitable match is found within the family, particularly from siblings, the child will be referred to CMC Vellore for the transplant, with all expenses covered by the government.

Thalassemia is a severe inherited blood disorder that requires patients to undergo frequent blood transfusions throughout their lives. A bone marrow transplant remains the only potential cure, but its success depends on finding a genetically compatible donor, usually a close relative.

Children from Muzaffarpur, Madhubani, and nearby districts participated in the camp, raising hopes among families who have long relied on transfusions to manage the condition.

The event saw the participation of several key medical professionals, including Dr Satish Kumar Singh, acting superintendent; physician Dr JP Mandal; head of pathology Dr Mahesh Prasad; blood bank in-charge Dr Dilip Kumar; thalassemia nodal officer Dr Jitendra Mahato; and Dr Vimal Choudhary.

A team from CMC Vellore, including Dr Sharon Ambumalar Lionel and technicians Gomti Joseph, Arifa SK Neelgandan, Dinesh Kumar, and D. Amos Vicky, also assisted in conducting the tests.