CME on Thalassemia Awareness and Role of Molecular Genetics

Ludhiana, January 16, 2013: A CME on Thalassemia Awareness and Role of Molecular Genetics sponsored by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi was conducted on Wednesday at the Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana.

The CME was attended by over 250 delegates, which included Gynaecologists and Paeditricians from the Ludhiana city, including CMC Faculty.

Ludhiana Civil surgeon Dr. Subash Batta, was the Chief Guest, and Dr. K. Ghosh, Director, NIIH, Mumbai was the Guest of Honor, Dr. R. Colah, Deputy Director, NIIH, Mumbai, Professor Vijay Obed, Deputy Director, Prof. S. M. Bhatti, Principal, Prof. K. Masih, Medical Superintendent were also present.

The programme was on generating awareness on the various aspects of Thalassemia, advancements in management and preventive strategies which included molecular diagnostics and prenatal diagnosis.

The welcome address was given by Prof. Sheila Das, Principal Investigator, ICMR Thalassemia Molecular Genetics Project, Dr. K. Ghosh spoke on why awareness of Thalassemia is necessary, Dr. R. Colah gave introduction of Molecular Genetics in Thalassemia and CVS study, Dr. Ranjeet S. Mashon, Research Scientist, ICMR Thalassemia Molecular Genetics Project gave a brief report of CMC experience in molecular genetics in Hemoglobinopathies, Geetanjali spoke on Awareness and Family study in Antenatal women, Dr. Atul Goel, Associate Prof, Paediatrics spoke on challenges on managing a child with Thalassemia and Dr. J.John spoke on Bone Marrow Transplant in Thalassemia Children CMC experience.

It has been found by Dr Sheila Das and her team in a previous ICMR Research Project by CMC Ludhiana that 3.5 – 5 % were carriers of Beta Thal Major in the general population while in some castes such Aroras, Khatris, Ramgariah Sikhs, Jains the prevalence was 4.8% - 9.1% and in Migrants from West Pak the prevalence was 8.3%.

All pregnant ladies during their first 3 months of pregnancy are requested to come forward to CMC to get their blood screened for Beta Thalassemia, as this is the only center in Punjab to provide this facility as the ICMR Thalassemia Lab CMC Ludhiana is fully equipped with machines costing  Rs 75 - 80 lakhs sponsored by ICMR New Delhi .