Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR Jan 21: Department of Clinical Haematology at SKIMS for the first time in J&K has performed a matched sibling Allogenic Stem Cell/Bone Marrow Transplant for a patient suffering from Beta Thalassemia Major. Earlier the department performed the First Stem/Bone Marrow Transplant on patient suffering from Aplastic Anaemia. Dr. Javid Rasool Bhat Prof. & Head Clinical Haematology Department informed that an eight year old boy from Bihar was diagnosed with Beta Thalassemia major at the age of 8 months at AIIMS New Delhi and was offered Bone Marrow Transplant as curative therapy. The approximate cost of this procedure was quoted as Rs. 10 lakh. Since the patient belonged to a very poor family and could not afford this costly treatment he was brought by his parents to the Department of Clinical Haematology at SKIMS for treatment. The only curative treatment option for him was Stem Cell Transplantation. Fortunately his sisters bone marrow stem cells were found to be matching. So the patient was taken for Allogenic matched sibling transplant last month. A handout of SKIMS stated that presently the patient is doing well and is being planned for discharge in few days. Dr. Javaid thanked Director SKIMS for all the support and said this will raise new hope for poor and deserving patients who need Bone Marrow Transplant. Director SKIMS Dr A.G Ahangar complimented the whole Department of Clinical Haematology including faculty members-Dr. Sajad Geelani Addl. Prof Dr. Reashma Roshan Asstt Prof Dr. Afaq Ahmad Khan Asstt Prof and Senior Residents (both Clinical & Lab. side) Resident staff as well as Paramedical Staff of Ward 5P technical staff (lab side) and office staff of Clinical Hematology Department including all other supportive Departments. He said SKIMS has created niche in conducting rare procedures which is benefitting poor patients.

Stay updated with all the Latest Jammu headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.