Jharkhand is preparing a significant initiative in its healthcare sector. State Health Minister Irfan Ansari announced in the assembly that a bone marrow transplant (BMT) unit with a cost of 7 crore rupees will be established in Ranchi.
Ranchi: On Tuesday, Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari informed the assembly that a bone marrow transplant (BMT) unit will soon be established in Ranchi. He stated that the government is also considering covering the expenses for bone marrow transplants for thalassaemia patients outside the state. Ansari provided this information while responding to a question raised by Congress MLA Pradeep Yadav during a motion of adjournment regarding the condition of thalassaemia patients.
Bone Marrow Transplant Unit
Bone marrow transplant, also known as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, is a life-saving treatment for thalassaemia and other blood disorders. Currently, there are no BMT units in Jharkhand, requiring patients to seek treatment in other states.
Health Minister Irfan Ansari stated that the government is also considering covering the expenses for bone marrow transplants for thalassaemia patients who need to travel outside the state, which typically costs around 14 lakh rupees. This would provide significant relief to economically disadvantaged families.
Data on Thalassemia Patients and Government Initiatives
During the assembly session, Congress MLA Pradeep Yadav raised questions about the government’s plans and data related to thalassaemia patients. In response, Minister Ansari stated that the state government is collecting data on thalassaemia patients, which will be ready within a month. He cited the incident of five children testing HIV positive after blood transfusions in Chaibasa as he emphasized that the government is taking this matter seriously.
Irfan Ansari informed the assembly that the decision has been made to establish a BMT unit at the Sadar Hospital in Ranchi, with a cost of 7 crore rupees. This unit will not only provide bone marrow transplant facilities within the state but will also offer new hope in the treatment of thalassaemia and other blood diseases. The Health Minister also indicated that the government is considering providing financial assistance to patients who require treatment outside the state. This would enable poor and middle-class patients in Jharkhand to access high-level treatment either within the state or with the support of the state government.
