Gurugram:In a bid to eradicate the blood disorder thalassemia from India, Fortis Memorial Research Institute conducted a marathon today called “Red Run to End Thalassemia.” The five-kilometer run witnessed the participation of more than 2,000 individuals, including several well-known personalities from Gurugram. Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff also participated in the event to express his support for the campaign.
Addressing the media on the occasion, Dr. Rahul Bhargava laid out the reasons that approximately 8,000 to 10,000 babies are born with thalassemia annually in India because it is a genetic disease. He underlined that prevention has to begin at birth. If parents are screened for thalassemia before they conceive, early intervention can avoid the disease. Even when a woman is pregnant, the test can be conducted, and if the fetus is diagnosed with significant thalassemia, pregnancy can be medically terminated.
Dr. Bhargava also added, “Just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi increased the country’s awareness during the COVID-19 pandemic, he must discuss the matter of thalassemia in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ to raise people’s awareness. As we have committed to being a developed country, our emphasis should now shift from curing thalassemia to stopping it.”
Telling an emotional tale, legendary actor Jackie Shroff shared how he once came across a small child suffering from thalassemia, whose limbs bore many needle scars. He found the image appalling and emphasized that the battle against thalassemia is not solely the duty of doctors, hospitals, or professionals in the medical industry—it is an ethical responsibility for all. He advocated that all who are cognizant of thalassemia’s seriousness should inform others about preventing it. Jackie Shroff vowed that he, along with his family, would actively promote the awareness campaign and stressed that the media too has to play an important part in disseminating the message.
Director of Hematology Department, Dr. Vikas Dua from Fortis Hospital, also expressed his thoughts on thalassemia. He stated that kids affected with the disease need to receive blood transfusions every three or four weeks, and it takes a big toll on the families’ pockets. Though bone marrow transplantation is a potential cure now, it is very expensive. He emphasized that through genetic counseling and blood work, thalassemia birth in children can be prevented and therefore save the families from both the financial and emotional strain. He emphasized the importance of joint efforts, public awareness, and the support of central and state governments if the vision for a thalassemia-free India by 2035 was to be realized.
The event also saw the presence of representatives from different NGOs from various states, who gave their perspectives and committed their support for the cause.
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