Mumbai: The civic-run Sion Hospital has significantly expanded its bone marrow transplant services at the Chota Sion Urban Health Centre, increasing the annual transplant capacity from 20 to 80 cases. The upgraded facility now features a 26-bed ward, including five dedicated bone marrow transplant beds, a high-risk unit, and a day-care centre.
Improved Access to Specialized Treatment
Dr Sujata Sharma, additional professor from the bone marrow transplant unit, stated that the expansion would improve access to specialized treatment for patients suffering from thalassemia, sickle cell disease, leukaemia, and aplastic anaemia. Many of these patients cannot afford private-sector care, making the subsidized treatment at Sion Hospital a crucial lifeline.
Inauguration and Support
The centre was inaugurated on May 8, which is World Thalassemia Day, by Mumbai mayor Ritu Tawde. Treatment at Sion Hospital will be subsidized, and efforts are underway to raise additional funds for patients. The expansion was made possible through the support of the Veha Foundation, which funded the facility's infrastructure and has committed to underwriting operations for the next 10 years. Technical guidance for the project was provided by Dr Navin Khattry of Tata Memorial Hospital.
