Mumbai: Bone marrow transplant unit to come up at Chota Sion Hospital on May 8

The under-construction BMT unit. FILE PIC/RITIKA GONDHALEKAR

Around 60 children, already in the waiting, and many more battling life-threatening blood disorders are set to receive a major boost, as a new Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) unit at Chota Sion Hospital is scheduled to be inaugurated on May 8, coinciding with World Thalassaemia Day.

The 25-bedded specialised ward has been established with the support of a non-governmental organisation, aiming to make advanced and often expensive transplant procedures accessible to underprivileged patients. The facility will cater to children suffering from conditions such as thalassaemia, sickle cell disease, and leukaemia, among others.

Timing crucial

The timing of inauguration underscores the importance of raising awareness. "Early diagnosis, timely intervention, and access to specialised care can drastically improve survival rates," said Dr Sujata Sharma.

Official Speak

Dr Pramod Ingale, dean, Sion Hospital
‘The unit is expected to significantly reduce waiting time for transplants, which can often stretch for months due to limited infrastructure in public hospitals. Bone marrow transplantation is considered a curative treatment for several disorders, but access remains restricted due to high costs in private healthcare settings'

No of beds in the new ward: 25
No of BMT beds: 5
No of step-down beds: 3

May 8
Day unit will be inaugurated