Pune, May 9th, 2024 - Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, hosted an interactive full-day event on their campus for thalassemia-affected patients on World Thalassemia Day. The event aimed to empower and uplift individuals affected by thalassemia by providing them with opportunities for personal growth, creativity and community sport. Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder and it requires lifelong medical care and often results in physical and emotional challenges for patients and their families.

Dr.Mahesh Sulaxane, IAP Secretary;Dr. J.S. Bhawalkar, Dean; Dr.P. Vatsalaswamy,Director Academics; Dr.Hanumant Chavan, Medical Superintendent; Dr.Shailaja Mane, Head of the Department of Pediatrics; Dr. Dnyaneshwar P Upase, Senior Consultant Hematologist and Hemato Oncologist from Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre graced the event. Thalassemia patients along with families, other healthcare professionals and members of the community also joined this insightful event and contributed to the well-being of individuals fighting with thalassemia.

Dr. Mahesh Sulaxane, IAP (Indian Academy of Pediatrics) Secretary was the chief guest at the event. While addressing the event, he said, “It's impressive to see the special efforts undertaken by the institute towards the well-being of their thalassemia patients. Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre has been consistently launching initiatives to create awareness about thalassemia as well as other serious conditions and has succeeded in raising the bar for healthcare across its contemporaries.”

Hon’ble Dr. Yashraj Patil, Trustee and Treasurer of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, said, “We must stand united to raise awareness for those battling thalassemia and continue our efforts to empower the patients to lead fulfilling lives despite the challenges in their day to day lives. Additionally, such initiatives foster confidence and self-esteem, enabling them to navigate the complexities of managing their condition with greater resilience and resourcefulness.”

Dr. Dnyaneshwar P Upase, Senior Consultant Hematologist and Hemato Oncologist at Dr. DY Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune,said, “Our institute believes that every individual regardless of their economic and health condition, deserves an opportunity to reach their full potential. By coming together to celebrate this day we can create a bright future for those affected by this condition and give them a chance to truly thrive in this dynamic environment.” Dr. Upase elaborated on a comprehensive array of treatment options such as bone marrow transplant for potential cure, emerging non-transfusion therapies like luspatercept injections and the use of blood transfusions alongside iron chelation therapy. Regular check-ups were emphasized to ensure the overall well-being of patients with thalassemia.

During the session, Dr. J.S. Bhawalkar, Dean, Dr. DY Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, stated,“Our institution is committed to providing holistic care to the thalassemia patients that goes beyond medical treatment. We are aware that this disorder requires not just physical but also emotional support and through this event, we aim to foster a sense of accomplishment and self-worth by enhancing their quality of life.”

The event offered multiple soft skills workshops and training sessions catering to the interests and abilities of thalassemia patients. From vocational skills to educational opportunities, the patients were able to get hands-on experience that would ensure that they are equipped with skills that would help them in different walks of life. In addition to this, the institution had planned several art activities to encourage self-expression and creativity of the patients to discover their artistic talents through painting, drawing, music, essay writing, etc., which were designed for personal growth and development of the patients.

Through this event, Dr. DY Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune once again reiterated its commitment to community well-being through arranging such initiatives, contributing to the broader effort to raise awareness about thalassemia and its impact on the affected individuals and their families, stated a press release.