World Thalassemia Day and International Nurses Day Celebrated at TSCS with a Focus on Education and Prevention

On May 12, 2025, the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society (TSCS), Hyderabad, commemorated World Thalassemia Day and International Nurses Day with great fervor and purpose. To mark this significant occasion, TSCS organized a Continuing Medical Education (CME) program titled “Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia – An Overview” specifically designed for nurses and lab technicians associated with the TSCS Antenatal Screening Project in the Medchal–Malkajgiri district of Telangana.

The CME aimed to enhance awareness and understanding of haemoglobin disorders among frontline healthcare providers, aligning with TSCS’s core mission to STOP THALASSEMIA through prevention and early detection. The session was attended by approximately 25 nurses and 15 lab technicians, including staff members from TSCS and healthcare professionals involved in the district-level screening initiatives.

The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Mrs. Ratnavali Kottapalli, a dedicated pillar of TSCS, who greeted the dignitaries and participants and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in eradicating Thalassemia.

Dr. Suman Jain, Chief Medical and Research Officer and Secretary of TSCS, delivered an insightful presentation on the diagnosis and management of Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia, underlining the critical role of early screening and regular follow-ups.

The Chief Guest of the event, Dr. Banoth Sathyavathi, MD (Anesthesia) and Deputy DM&HO of Medchal–Malkajgiri district, delivered the keynote address. She emphasized the importance of empowering nurses and lab technicians with knowledge about blood disorders and encouraged them to actively participate in TSCS’s prevention strategies.

Renowned Pediatric Oncologist Dr. V. Sandhya from Rainbow Children’s Hospital provided a clear and engaging explanation of the genetic basis of Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia, while Dr. Mamatha, Research Scientist, elaborated on the patterns of inheritance and prevention strategies for these disorders.

A special moment of the event was the felicitation of Mrs. Priyadarshini, Senior Staff Nurse at TSCS, in recognition of her unwavering service and dedication to Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia patients for over two decades. All TSCS nurses were also honored with tokens of appreciation as a gesture of gratitude for their invaluable contribution to patient care and awareness efforts.

The event concluded on a powerful note, reiterating that antenatal screening remains a cornerstone in the prevention of Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia, and that trained, informed healthcare providers are essential to achieving a future free from these inherited blood disorders.

TSCS Marks World Thalassemia Day 2025 with Awareness Events, Community Engagement, and Advocacy Initiatives

The Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Society (TSCS) commemorated World Thalassemia Day 2025, on 8th May 2025 with a series of impactful events, including an awareness walk and a special program involving Thalassemia children and their parents. The event featured a panel discussion on “Management, Prevention, and Cure of Thalassemia,” aimed at educating and engaging the community.

Renowned singer and Indian Idol contestant Ms. Ragini Shinde also joined the occasion, adding inspiration and encouragement for the children and families.

This year’s global theme by TIF – “Together for Thalassemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritizing Patients” – was at the heart of the celebrations.

As part of ongoing advocacy efforts, Dr. Chandrakant Agarwal, President of TSCS, met with Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Hon’ble Governor of Telangana, to seek continued support for Thalassemia prevention initiatives.
To mark the significance of the day, the TSCS building was illuminated in red, symbolizing solidarity and hope for a Thalassemia-free future.

World Thalassemia Day 2025 Commemorated with Special Program in Khammam in Association with IAP

On the occasion of World Thalassemia Day 2025, a special program was organized in association with the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Khammam on 03rd May 2025. The event was graced by the presence of the Chief Guest, Shri Ramasahayam Raghuram Reddy, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Khammam

Strengthening Global Collaboration in Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Care.

24th Feb 2025, Kamala Hospital and Research Centre for Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Patients (KHRCTSCS), a unit Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Society (TSCS), Hyderabad, had the honor of hosting Professors Antonio Piga and Dimitris Farmakis, our esteemed scientific collaborators from Thalassemia International Federation (TIF), Cyprus.

This visit plays a crucial role in our ongoing efforts to establish TIF Collaborating Centres in India, fostering global partnerships to enhance research and improve care for Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease. Strengthening these alliances will help advance treatment protocols, improve healthcare accessibility, and ultimately elevate the quality of life for patients worldwide.

Dr. Chandrakant Agarwal, President, Dr. Suman Jain, Chief Medical Research Officer and Secretary along with support from Multidisciplinary team and Team TSCS whose dedication made this cite visit a success.

Together, we are making strides toward a better future for Thalassemia and Sickle Cell patients!

GANSID Roundtable Meeting: Advancing Global Action on Sickle Cell and Inherited Blood Disorders – 07 Dec 2024

The GANSID Roundtable meeting, championed by the Global Action Network for Sickle Cell Disease and Other Inherited Blood Disorders (GANSID) held on 07 Dec 2024. Dr. Suman Jain participated from India.

Diwali Greetings and Advocacy: Chief Minister Revanth Reddy Pledges Support for Thalassemia Prevention

31 Oct 2024, Dr. Chandrakant Agawal, MLA Makkan Singh Raj Thakur from Ramagundam, and Mr. Tej Narayan, owner of Mahalaxmi Jewellers, had the privilege of meeting Telangana’s Chief Minister, Mr. Anumula Revanth Reddy, to convey heartfelt Diwali wishes. During this meeting, we shared the progress and impact of our Thalassemia Prevention Project, which currently spans three districts, and reminded him of his recent visit to our Society—a memory he warmly recalled.

The Chief Minister attentively listened to our briefing on the urgent need for expanded Thalassemia prevention. He assured us of his commitment to addressing this critical issue as a priority, conveying his determination to provide the best possible support for our cause

Empowering Lives: Dr. Azra Fatima's Insights on Coping with Psychosocial Challenges in Sickle Cell Disease

At TSCS, every fourth Saturday is dedicated to Sickle Cell Awareness. This month’s session was held on October 26, 2024, featuring a talk by Clinical Psychologist Dr. Azra Fatima on “Coping with Psychosocial Issues in Sickle Cell Disease.” The event, attended by 150 participants, covered key topics such as acceptance, reinforcement, breathing exercises, distraction techniques, and positive thinking strategies.