IGMC to get state’s first bone marrow transplant facility

In a significant development, blood cancer patients will soon be able to get bone marrow transplant done at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital as doctors from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, have expressed interest in helping the hospital set up a facility.

If all falls into place, the IGMC will become first hospital in the state to offer the bone marrow transplant facility. Thousands of people suffering from blood cancer will no longer have to visit health facilities in other states for the transplant.

A two-day ‘National Hematology Update’ was held at the IGMC in which several eminent hematologists from north India participated. The academic sessions featured talks, case discussions and panel interactions covering a wide spectrum of hematological disorders. The event aimed to serve as a platform for learning, collaborating and discussing advancements in the field of Clinical Hematology.

Dr Manish Gupta, Professor and Head of the Department of Radiology, IGMC, said due to unavailability of the bone marrow transplant facility, the patients were recommended to get the transplant done in the PGI. He said at present, the IGMC had only one hematologist, Dr Rajeev Sandal, who with his dedication is providing best possible care to patients suffering from hematological disorders and malignancies,” said Dr Gupta.

“Earlier, we held talks with Dr Pankaj Malhotra, Professor and Head of the Department of Clinical Hematology and Medical Oncology, PGI, and other doctors. They suggested to hold a conference on National Hematology Update in Shimla. Dr Malhotra took out time to visit the IGMC and after checking out the new building he said it was possible to start the facility in the hospital. He also suggested several modifications for which a proposal is being prepared and will be submitted to the principal,” Dr Gupta added.

“To successfully conduct a bone marrow transplant, the hospital would require a machine called cell separator. We had requested the government for the machine. The tendering process for its purchase is underway and it will be available soon,” he said. Further, six trained nurses are also required to conduct the transplant. Dr Malhotra has also offered to train the nurses at the PGI,” he added.

The bone marrow transplant facility will prove a boon to people of the state as around 80 to 100 blood cancer patients visit the IGMC on a daily basis. Due to non-availability of the bone marrow transplant facility, they have to visit the PGI and private hospitals in other states.

Himachal Tribune