Dr Pankaj Malhotra, Head of the Department of Hematology at PGIMER, Chandigarh, stated that an investment of Rs 50 lakh could enable bone marrow transplants at the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla. He is currently in the city for a two-day symposium on hematology-related diseases.
Need for Plasma Apheresis Machine
Dr Malhotra emphasized that installing a plasma apheresis machine, a key component of bone marrow transplant procedures, would greatly benefit hundreds of hematology patients in Himachal Pradesh. Currently, many patients must travel to PGI Chandigarh for bone marrow transplants, where waiting lists can extend to three to four months.
“A lot of patients battling hematological disorders will benefit if this machine is installed in Shimla. Many patients currently have to go to PGI for bone marrow transplants, where the waiting list is long and they often have to wait for three to four months,” Dr Malhotra said.
Critical for Timely Treatment
These disorders include blood cancers such as multiple myeloma and lymphoma, as well as serious conditions like thalassemia and hemophilia. The prolonged wait for a bone marrow transplant can be dangerous, particularly in aggressive cancers that can progress rapidly. “Patients would receive timely treatment if the machine were available in Shimla. In hematological diseases, timely intervention is critical,” Dr Malhotra added.
Cost and Infrastructure
The installation of the machine is estimated to cost Rs 50 lakh. This demand comes at a time when the state government has been investing heavily in strengthening healthcare infrastructure. Several state-of-the-art facilities, including robotic surgery services, have been introduced at medical colleges and the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialties.
Dr Malhotra noted the recent addition of a PET-CT scan facility in Shimla, calling it a very good diagnostic facility. He expressed hope that a bone marrow transplant facility, whenever available, would provide significant relief to hematology patients.
Broader Benefits
The machine would not only benefit patients with hematological disorders but also those whose platelet counts have fallen due to dengue, pregnancy-related complications, or other medical conditions. Dr Malhotra further stated that he would stay in Shimla to oversee the initial transplants and train staff for the procedures.
Symposium at IGMC
At the two-day symposium being held at IGMC, hematology specialists from PGI Chandigarh, AIIMS Delhi, Bilaspur, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Hospital in Rohini, and Lucknow are discussing ways to combat cancer, the latest treatment options, and the benefits of emerging cancer research from around the world. Dr Manish Gupta, Head of the Cancer Department at IGMC, expressed hope that bone marrow transplant facilities would soon become available in Shimla.
