Pune: Sassoon Hospital Hosts Three-Day Programme To Mark World Thalassemia Day 2025
The Department of Paediatrics, BJ Government Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital, Pune, commemorated World Thalassemia Day 2025 with a series of thoughtful and engaging events from May 6 to 8, in collaboration with SOFOSH, IAP Pune Branch and the Medical Social Work Department.
The Thalassemia Centre at Sassoon Hospital has been functional since the year 2000, and it offers a wide range of services free of cost, including:
- Regular blood transfusion
- Saline-washed red cell transfusions
- Screening and management of complications
- Vaccination programmes
- Chelation therapy
- Splenectomy support
- Antenatal screening (including amniocentesis)
- Bone marrow transplantation (as part of CSR activity )
- Genetic testing
- Family screening counselling
The academic session was conducted on May 6 and 7, which was held in the Paediatric Department. The academic sessions brought together faculty and postgraduate students from various departments to delve into crucial aspects of thalassemia care.
On May 6, Dr Varsha Bhatia, Associate Professor, Dept of Pathology, gave lectures on “Decoding Transfusion Protocol: From Use to Adverse Reaction Reporting” and on May 7, Dr Kalpana Kulkarni, Associate Professor, Dept of Pathology explored the topic “Using the ‘Un’used – A Primer on CBC Parameters, PBS Findings and Thalassemia.
These sessions highlighted best practices in transfusion medicine and the importance of peripheral smear analysis in diagnosing and monitoring thalassemia.
The main event was celebrated on May 8, at Paediatric Ward 7A (7th floor) which welcomed over 100 children with thalassemia and their families. The event was rich with creativity, compassion and community engagement, including:
1. Drawing & Essay Writing Competition for children
2. Role Play by nursing students depicting the journey of a thalassemia child
3. Panel Discussion by staff nurses on patient care and blood transfusion practices
4. Experience Sharing by parents of thalassemia patients, especially those who underwent antenatal screening and bone marrow transplantation
5. Tattoo Design & Snacks to bring smiles to young participants
A heart-touching Marathi poem penned by Dr Harish Tatiya, Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, was recited during the programme, beautifully capturing the emotions and resilience of thalassemia families, and serving as a source of encouragement and hope for parents.
The event was graced and guided by Dr Eknath Pawar, Dean, BJGMC Pune; Dr Aarti Kinikar, HOD & UG Dean, Paediatrics; Dr Yallappa Jadhav, Medical Superintendent; Dr Khedkar, Deputy Superintendent; and Dr Pragathi Kamath, Associate Professor, Pediatrics.
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