In a major step forward for cancer treatment in Himachal Pradesh, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC), Shimla, is set to establish the state’s first bone marrow transplant (BMT) unit. The milestone initiative is being supported by experts from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, who have extended guidance to help develop the advanced facility.
Once operational, the BMT unit will offer critical treatment options for blood cancer patients within the state, eliminating the need to travel to out-of-state hospitals. This development is expected to significantly ease the financial and emotional burden on families dealing with complex blood disorders.
The announcement was made during the National Haematology Update, a two-day academic conference recently hosted at IGMC. The event brought together leading haematologists from across North India and featured in-depth lectures, panel discussions, and case presentations on cutting-edge developments in haematology.
Dr. Manish Gupta, Head of the Department of Radiology at IGMC, highlighted the pressing need for such a facility. “Due to the absence of a local BMT unit, patients are currently referred to PGIMER for treatment. The upcoming facility at IGMC will be a game-changer for cancer care in the region,” he stated.
The conference also emphasized collaborative research and clinical innovation, serving as a vital knowledge-sharing platform for specialists working in the field of blood-related diseases.
With this advancement, Himachal Pradesh is poised to make significant strides in accessible, high-quality cancer care for its residents.