On 8th May, World Thalassemia Day, we have strengthened our initiative towards eradicating Thalassemia, a heavy name, which has an even heavier impact on the shortened lives of those who suffer through it.

If this is not difficult enough, the blood transfusions needed every 2-4 weeks by Thalassemia Warriors to live also have serious side effects such as excess iron build-up in the body. This excess of iron has a hugely negative impact on the liver and heart, eventually becoming fatal which needs to be removed using a chelating drug called Desferal. This Desferal needs to be administered using a syringe pump which we provide through our “Pump Library”, where warriors can issue a pump as per their requirement. However, they still need upto INR 5100* each month for purchasing Desferal.

While our goal is to help the warriors maintain their health, we are also working towards Eradicating Thalassemia by offering subsidized testing for 1000 couples** from the low-income groups to move a step further towards achieving #ThalassemiaMuktBharat.

You can help us in our vision by contributing towards our fundraiser- http://bit.ly/SupportThalWarriorsForIronChelation and sharing our posts to spread awareness about Thalassemia with your dear ones.

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!