The Bangalore-based DKMS BMST Foundation India will conduct a donor registration drive to raise awareness about blood cancer and the importance of stem cell transplant as a treatment option. This is to ensure that young people come forward and register as potential stem cell donors.
The press conference was organised by DKMS-BMST and USTM to spread awareness about stem cell donation. It was addressed by Dr Minerva Mary, HOD, Donar Request Management at DKMS-BMST, Mr Syantan Dutta Gupta, HoD, Doner Recruitment DKMS BMST, Prof GD Sharma, Vice Chancellor USTM, Prof Dr Biraj Kumar Das, Principal PIMC, and Mr Nakul Chandra Deori, Youth Officer, National Service Scheme.
When ready to register, participants will swab the inside of their cheeks to collect tissue cells. This will be done by swabbing the inside of the cheeks. The sample will then be sent to the lab for testing and to be listed anonymously on an international search platform for finding matching stem cell donors.
Anyone between the ages of 18 and 55 years who is a healthy Indian adult can register as a stem cell donor. If you’re eligible, take the first step to register as a blood stem cell donor by ordering your home swab kit at http://www.dkms-bmst.org/register
The DKMS-BMST has registered more than 6000 potential stem cell donors in the Northeast region. According to them, around 1500 of the donors are from Assam and 170 are from Meghalaya. However, the number of donors is not enough as many patients are waiting for a suitable donor.
It is hoped that this drive will increase the number of stem cell donors and help patients suffering from blood cancer. A stem cell transplant is a crucial treatment option that can save the lives of patients suffering from many blood and bone marrow disorders.