The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), one of the apex trade associations of India, concluded the twelfth edition of the ‘Illness to Wellness’ series themed Importance of Blood Donation & Managing Wellness of People with Thalassemia on the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The event saw an expert panel of thalassemia specialists hold an informative dialogue on hindrances faced by thalassemia patients and blood centres during COVID-19, inclusion of thalassemia in the Disabilities Act, 2016 and blood donation awareness in India.

Supported by the hygiene brand Savlon, the programme which promotes healthy living with a focus on wellness and preventive health through healthy habits, diet, exercise, and holistic health saw the veteran speakers discuss at length the distress blood centres faced due to lack of donors during the lockdown.

Commenting on the efforts made by authorities to encourage blood donations during the lockdown, Dr Sunil Gupta, Addl DGHS, NACO and Director (National Blood Transfusion Council) said, “By end of July there was a significant improvement in blood collection from the bleak scenario in March end and April. Now our collection is almost close to that of pre-COVID times.”

Highlighting the need for sensitising people about voluntary blood donations and how it helps patients of blood disorders, Anil Rajput, Chairman, ASSOCHAM CSR Council, said “In our country, two million people suffer from thalassemia and many other disabilities. Blood donation and transfusion are crucial to the essential services especially for these patients.”

Stressing on the lack of awareness of thalassemia and clarity on the inclusion of its patients in the list of disabilities under The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, Deepak Chopra, Founder & President, Thalassemics India, said, “We are yet to understand the provisions of the act so there is a need to delve more. There are not many interfaces known to patients as to how and to whom they should present their issues. As far as the act is concerned, it is yet to reach out to patients.”