Gurugram, May 11: Reinforcing its commitment towards building a Thalassemia-free Nation, Fortis Gurugram today organised a powerful awareness and advocacy event as part of its ongoing ‘End Thalassemia Mission’, a nationwide initiative launched last year. The event brought together thalassemia warriors’, healthcare experts, caregivers, and community members on a common platform to amplify awareness around prevention, early diagnosis and most importantly, curative treatment options for Thalassemia.
The event was graced by renowned Bollywood actor Vindu Dara Singh, Sports Anchor Shefali Bagga, along with Ms. Shobha Tuli, Secretary, Thalassemics India, who lent their support to amplify awareness around the cause.
In a moving celebration of courage and recovery, more than 60 children who successfully underwent Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) for Thalassemia took centre stage with inspiring performances, sharing stories of resilience and renewed life. Their journeys highlighted how advancements in Bone Marrow Transplant have transformed Thalassemia from a lifelong blood disorder into a curable disease for many children.
Adding a heartfelt and creative touch, doctors from Fortis Gurugram performed a special skit showcasing the emotional and physical struggles faced by Thalassemia patients and their families, while emphasizing how timely diagnosis, donor matching and Bone Marrow Transplant can offer children a second chance at life. The skit also highlighted the importance of premarital screening and genetic counselling in preventing the disease.
The event concluded with an engaging panel discussion featuring leading hematologists, patient advocates and stakeholders, focusing on access to curative therapies, awareness generation and the roadmap to eliminate Thalassemia in India.
Speaking on the occasion, Shobha Tuli, Secretary, Thalassemics India, said, “Thalassemia is preventable, and awareness remains our strongest weapon. However, for families already battling the disease, advancements in Bone Marrow Transplant are bringing new hope. Curative therapies can dramatically improve both survival and quality of life for children suffering from Thalassemia.”
Bollywood actor Vindu Dara Singh said,“I am proud to support the cause of Thalassemia awareness. It is truly heartening to witness children who once depended on regular blood transfusions now living healthier and happier lives after successful transplants. Initiatives like these are crucial in spreading hope and awareness among families across the country.”
Sports Anchor Shefali Bagga said, “Public awareness around Thalassemia needs to go beyond prevention alone. Families must also know that with timely medical intervention and advancements like Bone Marrow Transplant, children diagnosed with Thalassemia can lead normal and fulfilling lives.”
Sharing his perspective, Dr. Vikas Dua, Principal Director and Head, Pediatric Hematology, Hemato Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, said, “Bone Marrow Transplant has revolutionized the treatment landscape for Thalassemia. Today, many children who once required lifelong blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy are living transfusion-free lives after successful transplants. The key lies in early referral, timely donor identification and access to specialized transplant centres.”
Dr. Rahul Bhargava, Principal Director, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, added, “The biggest breakthrough in Thalassemia care is that it is now curable for many patients through Bone Marrow Transplant. With advancements in transplant protocols, improved donor matching and better post-transplant care, outcomes have significantly improved, even for high-risk patients.”
Yash Rawat, Senior Vice President and SBU Head, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, said, “Healthcare is not just about treatment; it is equally about prevention and community education. Through this initiative, we aim to create greater awareness not only about screening and prevention but also about the life-changing impact of curative treatments like Bone Marrow Transplant.”
Image Caption: From left to right: Dr. Vikas Dua, Principal Director and Head, Pediatric Hematology, Hemato Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, Bollywood actor Vindu Dara Singh, Sports Anchor Shefali Bagga, Yash Rawat, Senior Vice President and SBU Head, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram and Shobha Tuli, Secretary, Thalassemics India at Thalassemia Awareness Meet Organised by Fortis Gurugram
