Free HLA Testing Camp by DKMS Foundation Held at KGH Vizag for Children with Thalassemia
DKMS Foundation India, in collaboration with MGM Cancer Institute, Chennai, and Saptha Foundation, hosted a specialised medical camp for children with thalassemia and sickle cell disease at King George General Hospital (KGH), Visakhapatnam. The camp witnessed participation from over 55 families across Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Paderu, Srikakulam, and Parvathipuram. More than 200 samples were collected from patient families through cheek swabs for free high-resolution HLA typing, alongside expert medical consultations to guide them on potential treatment pathways.
The camp was organized by MGM Cancer Institute, Chennai, under the guidance of its renowned paediatric transplant specialist, Dr. Deenadayalan Munirathnam, in collaboration with Saptha Foundation and with support from the Department of Paediatrics, KGH. DKMS Foundation, India supported the initiative under its Access to Transplantation (ATT) Program, a key pillar aimed at ensuring access to life-saving stem cell transplants for patients facing medical, financial, and infrastructural barriers. Under this umbrella, the DKMS Thalassemia Program India provides free high-resolution HLA typing for patients and their family members, facilitating timely donor searches and improving access to transplantation.
Dr. Deenadayalan Munirathnam, Pediatric Transplant Specialist, said, “Thalassemia remains a significant challenge in our region, affecting more than 10,000 children born with the disease every year. They require early stem cell transplants for a cure. HLA typing is the critical first step in finding family matches, and events like this bridge the gap for underserved families. We are grateful to our partners for making this free testing possible and look forward to life-changing outcomes for these patients.”
“Through its association with MGM Cancer Institute, Saptha Foundation, as a sub partner of DKMS Foundation, India, helps extend thalassemia care beyond hospitals into communities. Through region-specific outreach, local trust-building, and clear counselling, we mobilise families even in low-awareness settings. DKMS’s training and free HLA testing strengthen thalassemia camps, offering families clarity, hope, and a pathway toward long-term cure,” added Mr. Sarath Babu Voggu, Founder and Chairman, Saptha Foundation.
The swab samples of the patient and the family members would be sent to DKMS Life Science Lab, Germany, for HLA typing. All HLA testing would be done by DKMS Germany free of cost for these patients. The test results are expected within 6–8 weeks and will help guide these families with transplant-related decisions.
Patrick Paul, Executive Chairman of DKMS Foundation, India, emphasised their commitment to rural outreach. He said, "Through our Thalassemia program, we partner with hospitals and NGOs like the Saptha Foundation to bring high-end HLA typing to remote areas in India. Our goal is to give every child a fighting chance at a cure."
As a non-profit dedicated to combating blood cancers and disorders like Thalassemia, DKMS Foundation India has registered over 2,00,000 blood stem cell donors, enabling over 200 second chances at life!
