Sion Hospital's Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Unit Set for March Launch
Mumbai's Sion Hospital is poised to inaugurate its long-awaited eight-bed pediatric bone marrow transplant (BMT) unit by March, marking a significant advancement in public healthcare infrastructure. The construction of this specialized facility, which commenced last year, has been made possible through donated funds totaling Rs 20 crore. The unit will be operational at Chota Sion Hospital located in Dharavi, expanding access to critical medical services in the region.
Addressing Critical Healthcare Needs
Doctors from the hospital highlighted that while Sion Hospital was the first public health facility in Mumbai to initiate bone marrow transplants, it has historically functioned with only a single bed. A senior pediatrician from the institution noted that this solitary bed has been consistently occupied, underscoring the high demand for such treatments. "We performed more than 30 BMTs last year alone," the pediatrician revealed, emphasizing the unit's vital role in patient care.
Currently, a three-year-old child with a rare genetic disorder is admitted as the final patient to utilize the single-bed setup. "By the time he is discharged, the new eight-bed unit will be fully operational," the pediatrician assured, signaling a seamless transition to enhanced capacity.
Understanding Bone Marrow Transplants
Bone marrow transplant is a medical procedure that replaces damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. This can involve:
- Autologous Transplant: Using the patient's own stem cells.
- Allogeneic Transplant: Utilizing stem cells from a donor.
In private healthcare settings, the cost of these procedures is substantial, with allogeneic transplants ranging from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 30 lakh and autologous transplants costing between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 20 lakh. In contrast, public facilities like Sion Hospital often provide BMT services free of charge or at minimal administrative costs, making them a crucial resource for affordable healthcare.
Impact on Public Health
The launch of this expanded unit is expected to significantly reduce wait times and improve treatment outcomes for pediatric patients requiring bone marrow transplants. By increasing capacity from one to eight beds, Sion Hospital aims to cater to a larger number of cases, particularly those involving life-threatening conditions such as genetic disorders and cancers. This development aligns with broader efforts to strengthen public health infrastructure and ensure equitable access to advanced medical treatments across Mumbai.
