Nearly a year after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) proposed it, KEM Hospital has received official approval to set up a bone marrow transplant (BMT) centre. This will be the first such facility in a public hospital in Mumbai catering to both adults and children.
What Is Bone Marrow Transplantation?
Bone marrow transplant is a life-saving procedure that replaces damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. These cells can be sourced from the patient (autologous transplant) or from a compatible donor (allogeneic transplant).
Construction and Funding Plans Underway
Dr Sangeeta Rawat, the hospital dean, inaugurated the designated site within the hospital premises. Corporate donors will fund the centre through CSR contributions, and a mix of donations and government healthcare schemes will cover treatment expenses.
Construction is expected to begin soon. However, the four-bed facility will take about a year to become operational.
Filling a Critical Gap in Public Healthcare
Currently, Tata Memorial Hospital is the only centre in the city offering adult BMT services, and only for cancer patients. Dr Chandrakala S, head of the haematology department at KEM, stressed the broader need for BMT. “It’s not just for cancer. We treat patients with aplastic anaemia, thalassemia major, sickle cell disease, and some autoimmune disorders who also require this procedure,” she explained.
Making Treatment Affordable and Accessible
As reported by TOI, Dr Chandrakala highlighted that most BMT centres are located in private hospitals, where costs often range from ₹10 to ₹12 lakh. “We see numerous adult patients who urgently need BMT but are unable to afford or access it due to a lack of affordable facilities in Mumbai,” she added.
Looking Ahead
Once operational, the new BMT centre at KEM Hospital promises to significantly improve access to critical treatment for underprivileged patients in Mumbai, bridging a long-standing gap in public healthcare services.