Thalassemia is a blood disorder that, if left untreated, can reduce life expectancy, impair physical growth, and cause bone deformities. They also require blood transfusions every 2-4 weeks to stave off the deadly effects of Thalassemia Major. While the blood bags are provided free, they still need an average of INR 5,000 per month (in some cases it’s more than this) for other crucial need of iron chelation which is mandatory for them to take in order to remove the excessive iron deposits from various body organs happening as a result of the overload due to the same blood transfusion taken for survival.

Prevention, they say, is better than cure. However, for a disorder that has no cure, the only cure is prevention through public  awareness.

The Wishing Factory works hard to raise awareness about this deadly disorder and to support Thalassemia warriors by providing them with high-quality healthcare and education in an effort to improve the quality of their lives.

By purchasing our merchandise, you can join The Wishing Factory in supporting Thalassemia Warriors’ healthcare and education.

Buy our merchandise here : https://rzp.io/l/twfmerchandise2022

With each purchase you will be helping Thalassemia Warriors in areas of healthcare and education.

On 8th May World Thalassemia Day we launched the #UltaHokeThalassemiaRoke challenge to help raise funds for patients who have lost all their savings during the lockdown and cannot afford their next transfusion. They need these transfusions every 2-4 weeks to slow down the deadly effects of Thalassemia Major. While the blood bags are provided free, they still need upto INR 5000* each month for other crucial expenses related to the transfusion.

You can help by posting your ‘ulta’ picture and challenging 3 friends to do the same. To donate simply click here:
https://bit.ly/donateforthalassemia

Your donations will be matched by Zydus Healthcare Ltd, multiplying the impact you can make!  Together, you can help us, The Wishing Factory, support 100 patients’ transfusions for the next 6 months.

*As per the requirement of 100 children for their medical requirements and 1000 couples from low income groups for their Thalassemia Testing is as follows:

1) 6 months Desferal Requirement for 100 children

-1 box of Desferal = INR 1700/-

-3 boxes per month per child = INR 5100/-

-INR 5100/- per child x 100 children = INR 5,10,000/-

-INR 5,10,000/- x 6 months = INR 30,60,000/-

2) Thalassemia Test cost for 1000 couples

-Subsidized Test cost for one person- INR 500/-

-INR 500/- x 2000 persons = INR 10,00,000/-

During the unprecedented times of the pandemic, we must acknowledge our privilege and support them as they need us now more than ever. We appeal to your humanity to support our brave warriors in getting their medicines and ensuring their health, and at the same time working towards a on this #ThalassemiaMuktBharat on this #WorldThalassemiaDay.

*Approximate break up of INR 5000 cost
NOTE: Please note that Blood is Nationally FREE. There are no Processing Charges for Thalassemia. However below are the other crucial expenses that need to be covered.
1. NAT Test – Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAT) is a highly sensitive method of testing blood that is used to detect the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) and West Nile Virus (WNV) in blood. – The cost (Depends State to State) but on average, it is 1500 per bag. Hence, keeping the above scenario in mind, it is 3000INR per month. [American Journal of Microbiology generally reports the cost of this assay (including technician time and equipment) to be $14 to $49 per test.]

 

2. CBC Test – CBC stands for Complete Blood cell Count, which is a recommended blood test that a Thalassemia warrior must undertake at the time of every transfusion. The test is usually priced at 300/- INR. Hence, keeping the above scenario in mind, it is 600INR per month.

 

3. Medical Usables – Basic essentials such as Vein Flow/Intragate, Syringe, Vein-o-Fix, Lasix/Distil Water, and Blood Administration Set. These usables are required at the time of every transfusion and have a cumulative cost of 700INR per transfusion. Hence, keeping the above scenario in mind, it is 1400INR per month.
3000 + 600 + 1400 = 5000/-

Over and above these costs there are individual or incidental expenses that patients incur such as they travel to the hospital/blood bank and basic food. In case the blood (from the blood bank) is not leuko-depleted then our warriors need to use an LR-Filter (usable) which is another 660/- INR per filter. Other miscellaneous costs may differ from city to city.

Tests & Usables

* Please note that Blood is Nationally FREE. There are no Processing Charges for Thalassemia.

NAT Test

Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAT) is a highly sensitive method of testing blood that is used to detect the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) and West Nile Virus (WNV) in blood. - The cost (Depends State to State) but on average, it is 1500 per bag. Hence, keeping the above scenario in mind, it is 3000INR per month. [American Journal of Microbiology generally reports the cost of this assay (including technician time and equipment) to be $14 to $49 per test.]

CBC Test

CBC stands for Complete Blood cell Count, which is a recommended mened blood test that a Thalassemia warrior must undertake at the time of every transfusion. The test is usually priced at 300/- INR. Hence, keeping the above scenario in mind, it is 600INR per month.

Medical Usables

Basic essentials such as Vein Flow/Intragate, Syringe, Vein-o-Fix, Lasix/Distil Water, and Blood Administration Set. These usables are required at the time of every transfusion and have a cumulative cost of 700 INR per transfusion. Hence, keeping the above scenario in mind, it is 1400 INR per month.

Total amount = 3000 + 600 + 1400 = 5000/- INR

 

Over and above these costs there are individual or incidental expenses that patients incur such as they travel to the hospital/blood bank and basic food. In case the blood (from the blood bank) is not leuko-depleted then our warriors need to use an LR-Filter (usable) which is another 660/- INR per filter. Other miscellaneous costs may differ from city to city.

How can you help us?

Donate to TWF

The fight against Thalassemia Major is an expensive one. Every contribution of Rs. 700 can gift a child a blood filter for their next blood transfusion.

Adopt a wish

We fulfill wishes of Thalassemia Major and Leukaemia Fighters and give them experiences which they can always cherish. You can adopt one today!