Manipur’s First Bone Marrow Transplant Facility Inaugurated at AOI, Imphal

A Major Milestone in Cancer Care for Manipur and Northeast India

Ukhrul, Mar 8: In a groundbreaking achievement for healthcare in Manipur and the entire Northeast region, the American Oncology Institute (AOI), in collaboration with Babina Specialty Hospital, Khabeisoi, Imphal East, has inaugurated the state’s first-ever Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) facility. This state-of-the-art unit marks a significant milestone in advanced haematology and oncology treatment, ensuring that patients no longer have to travel to metropolitan cities for life-saving procedures. With this latest addition, Manipur now joins the select few states in the Northeast with Bone Marrow Transplant facilities, apart from a couple of hospitals in Guwahati. Until now, patients from Manipur and nearby states had to travel to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, or Hyderabad for BMT procedures, incurring high expenses and long waiting times.

The inauguration event held at the hospital Saturday afternoon was attended by Dr. Chambo Gonmei, Director of Health Services, Government of Manipur, as the Chief Guest, along with Dr. N. Hemantakumar, Director of Family Welfare Services, Government of Manipur, as the Guest of Honour, and Dr. Dhabali Thangjam, CMD of Babina Groups, as the President of the occasion.

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The establishment of the Bone Marrow Transplant unit in Imphal is a crucial step in addressing the growing burden of blood-related cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and aplastic anemia. According to projections by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Informatics & Research (NCDIR), the demand for Bone Marrow Transplants in India is rising rapidly. With Manipur now having its own BMT facility, patients can receive world-class treatment closer to home, eliminating the financial and logistical hardships of seeking medical care in far-off cities.

Dr. Chambo Gonmei, speaking as the Chief Guest, lauded this historic achievement and said, “The establishment of a Bone Marrow Transplant unit in Manipur is a transformative step for healthcare in the Northeast. This will ensure timely and specialized treatment for patients battling blood cancers and other hematological conditions, reinforcing our commitment to making advanced medical care accessible within the state.”

Echoing the same sentiment, Guest of Honour Dr. N. Hemantakumar emphasized how the lack of advanced cancer care had been a significant challenge for Manipur and neighboring states. He said, “Access to quality cancer care has been a challenge for many families in the Northeast. With this BMT unit at AOI Imphal, the treatment burden will be drastically reduced, offering cutting-edge medical expertise at a much closer distance.”

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In a major announcement, Babina Groups CMD Dr. Thangjam Dhabali declared that Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) procedures at AOI Imphal will be available at a significantly reduced cost of ₹7 to ₹8 lakh, compared to the ₹15 to ₹20 lakh charged in hospitals in metro cities. Similarly, he revealed that Kidney Transplants at Babina Specialty Hospital, Khabeisoi, will cost around ₹10 lakh, much lower than the ₹20 to ₹25 lakh charged outside Manipur. “This initiative is aimed at making high-quality medical treatment more affordable and accessible to people in the region. Cancer treatment should not be a privilege reserved only for those who can afford to travel to major cities,” Dr. Dhabali stated. He further noted that AOI Imphal has been operational for four to five years, treating over 38,000 patients in its Outpatient Department (OPD). The BMT facility has already been functional for the past five months, and today’s inauguration officially marks its expansion.  Dr. Dhabali further revealed that Nuclear Scans (Gamma Scans) and Iodine Therapy for Thyroid Cancer, which were previously only available in Guwahati, can now be accessed at AOI Imphal. This is another step forward in reducing dependence on hospitals outside the state and bringing cutting-edge cancer care to Manipur.

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Harish Trivedi, CEO of CTSI-South Asia, emphasized AOI’s commitment to bringing world-class cancer care to regions that need it the most. He said “American Oncology Institute has been at the forefront of delivering world-class cancer care across India. With a strong focus on innovation and patient-centric treatment, we are committed to making the latest advancements in oncology available in underserved regions.” Harish Trivedi added that AOI’s team of highly skilled specialists, along with state-of-the-art infrastructure, will ensure that patients in Manipur and the Northeast receive top-quality care without having to travel far from their homes.

The launch of Manipur’s first Bone Marrow Transplant unit at AOI Imphal is a significant leap in healthcare accessibility and quality in the Northeast. With affordable pricing, expert medical professionals, and advanced technology, this facility is expected to revolutionize cancer treatment in the region. With the rising number of cancer cases in Manipur, the inauguration of this BMT unit is a beacon of hope for countless families struggling with life-threatening blood disorders. It signifies not just medical progress, but a commitment to ensuring that healthcare remains a fundamental right, not a privilege.

The future of cancer care in Manipur and Northeast India has never looked brighter.

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