Purpose of the Thalassemia Unit
The purpose of the Thalassemia Unit, located in the St. Stephens’s Hospital, is to change the young lives of needy children and the parents who care for them. These young disadvantaged children suffer with the genetic blood disorder, Thalassemia, which requires them to undergo long term blood transfusions and treatment. You can play an important part in transforming their lives by making an annual contribution of just Rs. 8800…$200). 

Case Studies of the patients themselves…
The Patients Welfare Society has assisted many patients and their families who have had financial burden, so that the children with Thalassemia can be properly treated and tested without cost. These children deserve the right to be treated and live healthily, like any other human being. Here are some of their stories and pleas for YOUR help…

Praneeta…… 30.7.1991 Praneeta’s father has been missing since she was 7 years old, and hence her mother is the only bread-winner and carer for the family now. The father is missing since she was 7 years old.  The mother looks after Praneeta. With transfusions, filter and oral iron chelation medicine costs, Praneeta’s mother has experienced much difficult financially and hence needs desperate assistance.
Ranbir Singh…… 28.2.1991 Ranbir’s medical expenses have been only managed by his mother after the death of his father. His mother is extremely poor and is under mental trauma since she had to stop his studies due to lack of funds for the treatment as well as his studies.
Sushmita Ghosh…… 29.2.1994 Sushmita is a young teenager requiring transfusions twice a month, costing Rs. 3000/. She is also taking disposal injections for iron chelation, which are a costly treatment. Her father is unable to bear the cost of this treatment, being a poor labourer with a goldsmith.
Banish Vaid…… 21.9.1984 Banish is a boy who has been on regular blood transfusion and iron chelation throughout his life. His father expired recently and his mother is taking care of the child. He needs regular transfusions, which are unfortunately very expensive and adds to their financial burden, costing a rate of Rs. 1500/- needed twice a month and Rs. 2000/- for iron chelation.

Thalassemia is becoming a major concern particularly in developing countries such as India, Pakistan and Iran, due to limited funds for genetic counselling, testing, medications and treatment equipment.
 
What are the treatment options?
Treatment options vary depending on the seriousness of genetic defect.  Patients with Thalassemia minor have minimal symptoms and hence do not need specific treatment. However, people with Thalassemia Major require regular blood transfusions after every 15-20 days to compensate and maintain iron levels at a level of 9.5 to 10.5 grams. For blood transfusions, patients have to use Leukocyte filters to prevent blood reactions. The patient has to pay Rs. 375/- for blood transfusion and Rs. 675/- for the filter.

However as a result of regular blood transfusions, the iron levels in the child’s body increase leading to iron overloading that can potentially have impacts on normal heart and liver function. Furthermore this overload requires regular iron chelation to remove the excess iron. The costly medicine has to be taken every 15-20 days as well and is given according to weight per kg with 30 mg per day.

It can be seen that such a regular and vital treatment is very costly in the long term, and hence many families can be burdened financially. Patients Welfare Society is raising funds to help children and families with Thalassemia in our St. Stephens Hospital Unit.

St.Stephen’s Hospital Patients Welfare Society
The Patients Welfare Society at St. Stephen’s Hospital assists children with Thalassemia and their families financially and emotionally with each and every requirement, such as with blood transfusions and testing. The intensive regular treatment enables the patients to have a chance to manage their blood condition and live to their full potential with good health and liveliness. However, such services only functions on a voluntary charity basis and would not be possible without the selfless and caring donations and funds raised from the public. Not only this, but the Patients Welfare Society is also responsible for holding blood camps, where blood is donated by family members and other society members, which is equally as important for treatment programs as are other donations. Our unit encourages anyone to assist and to follow St. Stephen’s Hospital’s motto, “In love serve one another”.

How can YOU help?
Many of the patients are from very poor backgrounds and are in need of financial assistance for their medical care. The Thalassemia unit functions with the assistance of the doctors of St. Stephen’s Hospital who are volunteering their professional skills for the patients. However, we are reliant on the public for donations to cover costs of equipment such as filters, pumps and injections. We, the St. Stephen’s Patients Welfare Society, cannot change these young lives without your support. Hence, we appeal to YOU to donate Rs. 650 every month which amounts to Rs 7500 yearly. A small gesture like this may change a child’s life.

Donations can be made either by cash or cheque, addressed to St. Stephen’s Hospital patients welfare society. Donations can be sent online or to the postal address on:

The Director
St. Stephen's Hospital
Tis Hazari
Delhi - 110 054
India