ECHO India, a non-profit healthcare organization, has partnered with the Post Graduate Institute of Child Health (PGICH) Noida to launch a nationwide program focused on the 'Prevention and Control of Beta Thalassemia and Other Hemoglobinopathies.'

The program, which was initiated on Tuesday following a two-day comprehensive Training of Trainers (ToT), will be implemented as a part of a nationwide collaborative initiative.

Under this program, NHM Madhya Pradesh, Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will act as knowledge partners, and ECHO India has also onboarded the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) as an academic partner.

"Through this program, we hope to create a network of healthcare professionals across the country who can work together to provide the best possible care for patients with beta-thalassemia. This is a crucial step towards reducing the burden of this disease on our healthcare system, and we are honoured to be leading the way in this effort," said Dr. Arun Kumar Singh, Director of PGICH.

PGICH, a leading paediatric institute established by the Uttar Pradesh Government, will serve as the National Hub for ECHO India’s program.

Addressing the event, Union Minister Arjun Munda said, “Today, Beta Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Disease, and other blood disorders are a key challenge facing our country’s healthcare system. These life-threatening conditions affect not only the Indian population at large but also children and several tribal communities, making it essential to improve access to quality healthcare facilities, especially in far-flung and underserved regions."

"A nationwide initiative like the one being undertaken by ECHO India and its partners, including NHM Madhya Pradesh and PGICH, will enable effective service delivery for patients fighting Thalassemia and related diseases," Munda added.

Meanwhile, Dr Sandeep Bhalla, Associate Vice President of ECHO said, “Through this program, ECHO India aims to facilitate the mentorship of over 350 doctors, improving accessibility and quality of care for patients fighting Beta Thalassemia. The initiative will also hold a webinar series for other cadres of health workers to upskill them on recent developments in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Hemoglobinopathies.”

Image courtesy: Twitter/@EchoIndiaTrust