Free HLA typing camp for thalassaemia patients tomorrow in Mangaluru

Mangaluru: Marking World Thalassaemia Day, KMC Hospital Attavar, in association with department of paediatric oncology at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, will organise a free Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) typing camp Friday (May 8) to help thalassaemia patients explore the possibility of curative bone marrow transplantation.The camp will be held from 10am to 3pm at Tower II, Lecture Hall 1, KMC Hospital Attavar. Participation is limited, and prior appointments are mandatory.HLA typing is used to determine compatibility between a patient and a potential bone marrow donor. In many thalassaemia cases, a successful bone marrow transplant can offer a long-term cure. As siblings and immediate family members are more likely to be compatible donors, patients must attend the camp with their siblings and/or parents.Specialists from department of paediatric oncology, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, will conduct the camp and guide families on HLA matching, transplant possibilities and future treatment options.Speaking about the initiative, Dr Chakrapani, medical superintendent, KMC Hospital, Attavar, said, "Thalassaemia places a significant emotional and financial burden on families. Through this initiative, we hope to help eligible patients move one step closer towards a possible cure. Every successful donor match can change the course of a child's life."