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BLOOD DONATION VAN FOR SUPPORT OF THALASSEMIC CHILDREN
All Rotary Clubs Navi Mumbai (District 3142)
Project - Blood Donation Van for Thalassemia Patients Navi Mumbai (RID 3142)
Preamble
Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder in which the body is unable to produce normal haemoglobin the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen. As a result, red blood cells are fragile and break down easily, leading to severe anaemia.
Key Highlights:
Inherited condition: Passed genetically from parents to children
Types:
o Thalassemia Minor (Trait) Mild, often asymptomatic
o Thalassemia Major Severe, requiring lifelong blood transfusions
o Alpha & Beta Thalassemia Based on affected haemoglobin gene
Treatment Includes:
Regular blood transfusions (critical for survival in severe cases)
Iron chelation therapy (to manage iron overload)
Bone marrow transplant (in select cases)
Rotary Initiative
Rotary District 3142 has undertaken a committed mission to End Thalassemia. Known as End Thalassaemia Now .
The Key activities under this ETN program includes:
Organizing regular blood donation drives
Providing essential medicines and medical consumables
Offering financial support to underprivileged patients
Creating awareness among youth about prevention
Collaborating with gynaecologists for early detection and foetal screening
Partnering with healthcare professionals and institutions
A dedicated Thalassemia Centre has been established at DY Patil Hospital, Navi Mumbai, where blood transfusions are carried out with support from Rotary Clubs. The initiative is actively driven by Rotarians under the banner End-Thalassaemia Now. This is unique project as children get free blood , free blood filters , free medicines and free pathological tests .
The Challenges faced by End Thalassaemia Now Program
Over 200 thalassemic children in Navi Mumbai require blood transfusions every 15 days
Despite multiple blood donation camps across:
o Railway stations
o Corporates
o Hospitals
o Industrial units
There remains a persistent shortage of blood for these children
Key Gap Identified:
Many willing donors in housing societies are unable to Travel to blood banks and
allocate time for donation
Proposed Solution - Mobile Blood Donation Van / Ambulance
To bridge this gap, we propose a fully equipped Blood Donation Van to bring blood collection services directly to communities.
Key Benefits:
Doorstep blood donation in housing societies
Access to smaller corporates lacking infrastructure
Hygienic and professional blood collection environment
Increased donor participation
The proposal has been discussed and endorsed by DY Patil Hospital, which will operate and manage the vehicle.
Project Impact
Expected to generate 250 300 additional blood units per month
Will eliminate the current blood shortage gap
Ensures continuous availability of blood, the lifeline for thalassemic children
Maintaining haemoglobin (Hb) levels is critical levels below safe thresholds can be life-threatening.
Sustainability & Operations
Fully managed by DY Patil Hospital, including:
o Fuel
o Driver
o Maintenance
Available for Rotary-organized donation drives
Blood collected will be utilized specifically for thalassemia patients
Additional Community Impact
The van will also serve as a Mobile Rotary Clinic on Wheels to:
Conduct medical check-up camps
Serve rural and underserved areas
Deliver healthcare access where infrastructure is limited
Conclusion
This project addresses the most critical need of thalassemic children regular and reliable blood availability. By bringing donation facilities directly to the community, we can significantly enhance participation, bridge the supply gap, and save lives consistently and sustainably.
The approximate cost of the project is 46,000 USD.
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