Nagpur Doctors Perform Central India’s First Paediatric Bone Marrow Transplant for Thalassemia Major

Nagpur: City doctors successfully carried out the region's first paediatric bone marrow transplant (BMT) for a child suffering from Thalassemia Major. The young girl, who was dependent on repeated blood transfusions since childhood, was discharged this week after recovering from the complex procedure. The transplant was performed by a team of specialists led by Dr Atish Bakane, Dr Priyanka Pawar, and Dr Anand Bhutada, with support from the dedicated BMT unit. The doctors said the case involved multiple clinical challenges, but careful planning and round-the-clock medical care ensured the child's recovery.Experts highlighted the wider significance of this milestone. Nagpur falls in the thalassemia and sickle cell belt of India, where the prevalence of such genetic blood disorders is higher than the national average. Patients here often face a lifetime of blood transfusions, along with associated complications. Bone marrow transplant remains the only curative therapy, making the availability of paediatric BMT in Nagpur a crucial step forward.Dr Anand Sancheti explained, "Until now, families from this region had to travel to bigger cities for transplants. Having this facility in Nagpur not only cuts down costs and travel but also strengthens hope for families who previously saw no option beyond lifelong transfusions." Other experts, including Dr Vishram Buche and Dr Sanjay Deshmukh, praised the efforts of the medical and nursing team. They described the child's discharge as an emotional milestone, not only for her family but also for paediatric healthcare in the region. The success of this transplant, carried out at NewEra Mother & Child Hospital, has already drawn inquiries from families across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. According to Dr Anand Bhutada, the achievement also adds to Nagpur's growing profile as a medical hub. "This gives Central India a place on the map of advanced paediatric care. With this facility, more children suffering from serious blood and immune disorders can look forward to a healthy future," he said.