Dr Mammen Chandy speaks at CME

Renowned Clinical Haematologist and Haemato-Oncologist Dr Mammen Chandy was the chief speaker in the CME. The session on Clinical Haematology aimed at increasing the awareness of this speciality in the city, especially as the establishment of a bone marrow transplant unit in CMCH nears completion. The unit is being made under the leadership of his student Dr M Joseph John, who is the first DM haematologist in Punjab.

At a prelude to the CME, Dr Chandy introduced his speciality and the role of a haematologist, at a well attended gathering of the city’s doctors in CMC. In his powerful oration titled ‘What is possible in Clinical Haematology and Haemato-Oncology today in India’, he stressed on the need for increased awareness of options to treat blood related diseases including diseases like leukaemia, myeloma and lymphoma, colloquially referred to as ‘blood cancers’.

Dr Chandy spoke about the markedly reduced cost of treatment of haemtological diseases and stem cell transplantation in India, as compared to the west. He added that thalassaemia major can be cured by stem cell transplantation. It can also be prevented by screening of the couple, and by prenatal diagnosis during early stages of pregnancy. Early referral to a haematologist in some of these patients can result in cure with specialised care, which could scarcely be imagined a few years ago, he pointed out.

In his talk on ‘Medicine of the 21st century’, he stressed on the increasing need to provide subsidized medical care to the poor and the needy. During his session on ‘Promise of stem cells’, he reiterated the need for randomized controlled studies before it is used in therapeutic practice for cardiac and neurological diseases.

PAU Vice Chancellor Dr MS Kang was the chief guest on the occasion. He and Dr Chandy lighted the lamp and inaugurated the CME.