ShardaCare – Healthcity emphasised the importance of screening, genetic counselling and greater public awareness at a Thalassemia Disease Awareness Programme. Dr Pawan Kumar Singh, Vice Chairman – Hematology & Bone Marrow Transplant at ShardaCare – Healthcity, moderated a panel discussion that brought together medical experts, healthcare professionals, community representatives and families affected by thalassemia to discuss preventive strategies and the challenges associated with the condition.

Organised by ShardaCare – Healthcity & Sharda University, in collaboration with Sharda Hospital, Rotary Club of Delhi Safdarjung and Create Lasting Impact, the programme was held under the theme “The First Step to Eradication”. The discussions highlighted how awareness, appropriate screening and genetic counselling can help individuals and couples understand their genetic risks and make informed decisions to reduce the likelihood of children being born with severe forms of thalassemia.

Speaking about the importance of prevention, Dr Pawan Kumar Singh said, “Thalassemia prevention requires a proactive approach that begins with awareness, screening and genetic counselling. While medical advancements have improved the management of the condition, identifying genetic risks and helping individuals make informed decisions are equally important to reducing the burden of severe thalassemia. Sustained collaboration between healthcare professionals, institutions and communities is essential to strengthening these efforts.”

This programme was graced by Prof. Dr Sibaram Khara (Vice Chancellor – Sharda University) as Chief Guest, along with Rtn. Sumati Puri, (President, Rotary Club of Delhi Safdarjung),AG Ran. Dr Priya Oberoi (Joint Director Thalassemia, PP Rotary Club of Delhi Safdarjung), Rtn. Mukta Bansal (Secretary, Rotary club of Delhi Safdarjung), Dr Mukul Agrawal (Associate Professor of Clinical Hematology & BMT, AIIMS New Delhi), Rtn, Shobha Tuli (District Director Thalassemia, Member Rotary Club of Delhi Safdarjung) , Dr Rahul Bhargava (Principal Director & Chief, Hematology & BMT, FMRI Gurugram), Rtn. Jitender Nanda (District Thalassemia Chairperson) and Dr Meet Kumar (Clinical Director & Head, Hematology & BMT, Marengo Asia Hospital Gurgaon). The discussion covered thalassemia prevention, diagnosis and treatment, while addressing the emotional, social and practical challenges faced by patients and their families. As part of the programme, Dr Rahul Bhargava delivered a session titled “Understanding Thalassemia”, explaining the inherited nature of the disorder, its clinical implications and the importance of prevention.

Offering the perspective of families living with the condition, Ms Shobha Tuli presented a session titled “Thalassemia – A Journey Through a Parent’s Eye”. Her session highlighted the long-term demands of thalassemia care and the need for reliable medical guidance, emotional support and stronger community awareness. Rtn. Ms Sumati Puri, representing the Rotary Club, also spoke about the organisation’s initiatives to promote awareness and encourage preventive action. Two awareness videos further reinforced key messages on thalassemia and its prevention, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Rtn. Priya Oberoi.

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that affects the body’s ability to produce adequate haemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood. Depending on its severity, the condition may require regular blood transfusions, ongoing medical monitoring and long-term treatment, placing considerable emotional and financial demands on patients and their families. Carrier screening and genetic counselling can help individuals understand their risk of having a child affected by a severe form of thalassemia and discuss appropriate options with qualified healthcare professionals.

Through this initiative, ShardaCare – Healthcity reiterated its commitment to strengthening preventive healthcare through awareness, screening and genetic counselling. By bringing together medical experts, academic institutions, community organisations and families, the programme sought to encourage informed decision-making and collective efforts towards reducing the long-term burden of thalassemia.