Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Blood Disorders opens in Vizag

Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Blood Disorders in Andhra Pradesh offers advanced treatments for various blood disorders.

Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Blood Disorders, a comprehensive institute for blood disorders, claimed to be the first-of-its-kind in Andhra Pradesh, was inaugurated by noted haematologist Dr. Mammen Chandy, at Unique Hospital at Arilova on Friday.

Dr. Sadashivudu, Professor and HOD, Department of Medical Oncology, Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderbad and Dr. Voonna Muralikrishna, MD of Mahatma Gandhi Cancer Hospital, were present at the inaugural.

Blood disorders, both benign and malignant, significantly impact public health. Andhra Pradesh has a substantial burden of hemoglobinopathies, with nearly 20 lakh persons infected by sickle cell disease, which is predominant in tribal areas. Beta thalassemia carriers constitute between 0.2% to 21.8% of the population making regular blood transfusions a necessity, according to the doctors, who attended the inaugural.

Leukemia or blood cancer ranks as the sixth most common cancer in India with a new diagnosis occurring every five minutes. However, advancements in early diagnosis and modern treatments have drastically improved survival rates, ranging from 30% to 80%, depending on the type of leukemia.

The institute is equipped to handle a wide range of haematological conditions from routine blood tests like CBC to the most advanced therapies like CAR T-cell therapy, bone marrow transplants and targetted therapies.