1stFebruary 2025:The Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), in collaboration with Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies (TBCT), a global leader in blood management solutions, organized a Continuing Medical Education (CME) event and sensitization program in Sambalpur. The event highlighted the critical need to advance care for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) patients and adopt better blood management practices to ensure smoother treatment pathways for patients.
Odisha reports a significantly higher incidence of SCDcompared to the national average.Approximately 10% of the tribal population in Odisha carries the Sickle Cell Trait, with around 1% to 1.5% suffering from Sickle Cell Disease. Scheduled Tribes, which constitute 22.84% of the state’s population, are disproportionately affected by this genetic condition.
The event brought together a diverse group of medical professionals, including esteemed speakers such as Dr. Mohit Chowdhry, Senior Consultant & Head, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital; Dr. Girijanandini Kanungo, Professor and Head, Department of Transfusion Medicine, SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar; and senior dignitaries from VIMSAR.
Addressing the gathering,Dr Chitta Ranjan Prasad, Professor, Head of Department, Transfusion Medicine, VIMSAR Burla, said “This CME event served as a crucial platform to explore the complexities of Sickle Cell Disease, address its challenges, and discuss RBC exchange and stem cell extraction as a promising solution for its cure,” he said. He further emphasized the pivotal role of the Sickle Cell Institute at VIMSAR in driving these advancements and supporting the state’s mission to improve SCD care.
During the event, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies (TBCT) announced their commitment towards SCD and its work in Odisha. With the pilot project in Odisha, TBCT would make red blood cell exchange more accessible for the SCD patients. Covered under the state insurance programme “Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY),” red cell exchange is required in Sickle Cell Disease patients.
Elaborating and speaking on the occasion, Mr. Chetan Makam, Managing Director of Terumo Penpol Private Ltd and General Manager of Global Blood Solutions at TBCT, said, “At Terumo, our unwavering commitment to advancing patient care through innovative solutions drives everything we do. This pilot project is a testament to that commitment, addressing the critical challenges faced by SCD patients in Odisha through a strong public-private partnership. By prioritizing early diagnosis, timely treatment, and a reliable blood supply, this initiative would aim to deliver a transformative impact—not just for individuals battling this disease but for entire families and communities.”
This initiative aims to drive an impactful change in the fight against Sickle Cell Disease, fostering a unified approach to tackling this critical health challenge. This partnership seeks to establish a sustainable model for SCD care—one that improves outcomes for individuals, supports families, and strengthens communities, paving the way for a healthier and more resilient Odisha.
