Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
There is growing hope that a “Bone Marrow Transplant” facility will soon be started at the government cancer hospital (State Cancer Institute) in the city. A proposal has been submitted to the government to establish this facility so that patients can receive treatment at an affordable cost.
At present, patients requiring bone marrow transplants have to opt for private hospitals, where the treatment cost runs into several lakhs. As a result, many patients are unable to afford the procedure. Preparatory work has already begun at the government cancer hospital to start this facility. Attention is now focused on when the government will approve the proposal.
----
What is bone marrow? How much does it cost in private hospitals?
Bone marrow is a soft tissue found inside bones that contains blood-forming cells. It continuously produces and replenishes blood in the body. A bone marrow transplant is required in cases such as blood cancer and certain other serious diseases. In private hospitals, the procedure costs between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 20 lakh.
----
Efforts for blood bank as well
“We are actively working towards starting the bone marrow transplant facility. A proposal has been submitted to the government in this regard. Efforts are also underway to establish a separate blood bank,” said Dr. Arvind Gaikwad, officer on special duty, Government Cancer Hospital.