Bengaluru: Coal India Ltd has partnered with Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, to provide bone marrow transplants for children suffering from thalassaemia and aplastic anaemia. Supported by India’s Ministry of Health, this initiative is part of Coal India’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project, which aims to financially support these life-saving treatments.
As part of the collaboration, Coal India has committed up to Rs 3 crore over the next three years to help approximately 300 children access bone marrow transplant procedures at Aster CMI Hospital. The initiative focuses on treating children from economically weaker sections who may otherwise be unable to afford these critical surgeries.
Dr. Somashekhar S P, Lead Consultant - Surgical & Gynaecological Oncology and Robotic Surgeon at Aster CMI Hospital, shared his thoughts on the partnership, stating, “Our Haematology-Oncology Department’s expertise in complex surgeries and advanced treatments enables us to deliver exceptional care to these patients. This collaboration will significantly expand our reach and impact, enabling us to extend our treatment to a larger number of patients, and it will mainly benefit economically weaker sections of patients.”
Dr. Stalin Ramprakash, Senior Consultant of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant at Aster CMI Hospital, highlighted the importance of this partnership, explaining, “Thalassaemia and aplastic anaemia are life-threatening conditions where the bone marrow fails. Without treatment, most patients’ lifespan will decrease drastically, in a few instances for less than a year. This tie-up will enable us to offer curative BMT treatment to many more children with these conditions so that they can lead a normal, fulfilling life they deserve.”
SGS Lakshmanan, Chief Operating Officer of Aster CMI Hospital, emphasised the alignment of the collaboration with Aster DM Foundation’s mission. He said, “We are honoured to collaborate with Coal India Limited on this life-saving initiative. We are certain that with the support of our skilled doctors and advanced technologies available at the hospital, we will achieve the partnership’s objective. This collaboration aligns perfectly with Aster DM Foundation, which focuses on improving the lives of underprivileged communities through healthcare outreach, education, and other social welfare programs.”
Vinay Ranjan, Director of Coal India Ltd, expressed the company’s commitment to the partnership, saying, “We believe that this partnership with Aster CMI Hospital will significantly enhance the quality of life for our employees and their families. By combining our resources and expertise, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.” /BI
