World Thalassemia Day observed at medical institutes
The Department of Paediatrics at Christian Medical College (CMC) celebrated World Thalassemia Day with patients and families affected by thalassemia major. This year’s global theme, “Together for Thalassemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritising Patients, Patients first, We are one,” highlights a patient-centric approach and unity among all stakeholders. Children receiving care at the CMC’s Centre of Excellence for Thalassemia, along with their parents, participated in the event.
Under the leadership of Dr Monika Sharma, the department designed special T-shirts featuring the theme and Thalassemia Day logo, which were worn by the team to show solidarity with patients.
Dr William Bhatti, Director of CMC, Ludhiana, congratulated the department and encouraged families to continue availing hassle-free treatment at the hospital. The thalassemia day-care team, including doctors and nurses Grace and Kanta, shared their experiences and reaffirmed their commitment to patient welfare.
Painting competition for patients at DMCH
On the occasion of World Thalassemia Day, the Department of Paediatrics at the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital organised a heartwarming and awareness-driven celebration aimed at supporting children suffering from the disease. With the global theme for the day being “Together for Thalassaemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritising Patients,” the event focused on spreading awareness, encouraging preventive care and celebrating the resilience of young thalassemia warriors.
The event was led by Dr Gurpreet Singh, who organised a painting competition for children with thalassemia. The children took part in the activity with great excitement, expressing themselves through colours and art. Gifts were given to all participants, and the artists of the top three paintings received special prizes, making the day even more special for the young artists.
The event also saw participation from other senior faculty members from the Paediatrics department, including Dr Puneet Pooni, Dr Kamal Arora, Dr GS Dhooria, Dr Sumati Verma, and Dr Rajesh Kumar.
Principal Dr GS Wander emphasised the significance of inclusivity and emotional support for thalassemia patients. He stated, “These children have immense potential and dreams like any other child. We must ensure they feel included, valued and encouraged. Today’s event is not just about celebration—it’s a powerful reminder that children with thalassemia can lead normal, fulfilling lives when society supports them without bias.”
Dr Pooni highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and prevention. She said, “With proper care and regular treatment, thalassemia can be managed well. But the most powerful step is prevention. We want people to know that a simple blood test before marriage or during pregnancy can help prevent thalassemia in children.”
In continuation of awareness efforts, Dr Gurpreet Singh also delivered a special lecture at the DMCH Nursing College, Malakpur, focusing on prevention strategies for thalassemia, including carrier screening and antenatal diagnosis. His session was appreciated for its clarity and relevance in promoting community-level action.
Ludhiana