CSMC introduces devices for Thalassemia, Sickle Cell diagnosis

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

The municipal corporation’s hospital at Cidco N-8 has introduced four new Gazelle Hb electrophoresis machines procured through CSR funds. These machines can diagnose thalassemia and sickle cell disease in just eight minutes. The machines were inaugurated on Friday at the hands of civic office-bearers.

The event was attended by mayor Sameer Rajurkar, deputy mayor Rajendra Janjal, standing committee chairman Anil Makariye, leader of opposition Abdul Sameer, Health Committee chairperson Dr Sunita Solunke, and municipal officer of health (MoH) Dr Paras Mandalecha.

The health section also observed World Thalassemia Day on the occasion. The machines were procured using CSR funds from the State Bank of India. Each machine can store up to 1,000 test records. A total of 8,000 test cards have been made available, and efforts are underway to procure an additional 22,000 cards through CSR support.

The programme was attended by SBI’s Pankaj Kumar, Imtiaz, former IMA secretary Dr Unmesh Takalkar, corporators Vishwanath Swami, Meena Kharat, Madhuri Awhad, Shivaji Dandge and Ganesh Navandar, along with Dr Mahendrasingh Chavan, assistant MoH Dr Ujwala Bhamare, Dr Balkrishna Rathodkar, Dr Prerna Sanklecha, Dr Shailaja Tathe and Dr Sanobar Fatema, among others.

Benefits for patients

The machines will be particularly useful for screening pregnant women, especially those with low haemoglobin levels, where early testing is essential. Early diagnosis can help prevent the birth of children affected by thalassemia, thereby enabling better preventive healthcare.