Gandhinagar: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has called for stronger coordination among medical experts, researchers, voluntary organisations and blood banks to improve the early diagnosis, prevention and treatment of serious blood-related disorders, including thalassaemia, sickle cell anaemia, haemophilia and blood cancer.
Addressing the 67th National Conference of the Indian Society of Haematology and Blood Transfusion (ISHBT), HEMATOCon-2026, in Ahmedabad on Saturday, Patel emphasised the importance of early screening, genetic counselling, blood donation and medical research in tackling these diseases.
Welcoming doctors, researchers and medical specialists from India and abroad, the Chief Minister said the conference was more than an academic or medical event, as it brought together knowledge, science, research and compassion for the protection of human life. He also extended Diwali greetings to the delegates.
Bhupendra Patel Emphasises Early Diagnosis and Coordinated Healthcare Efforts
Patel said doctors and specialists working in the field of haematology play an important role in society, describing their contribution as being akin to that of angels for people affected by serious blood disorders.
He stressed that coordinated efforts among healthcare professionals, research institutions, voluntary organisations and blood banks are essential to ensure timely diagnosis and better treatment outcomes.
The Chief Minister said the Gujarat government is focusing on early diagnosis and screening for thalassaemia and sickle cell anaemia. He also highlighted the need for stronger coordination between government and private blood banks to ensure the availability of safe blood.
In addition, he called for greater promotion of haematology research in medical colleges to strengthen the state’s capacity to diagnose and treat blood-related diseases.
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CM Appeals for Greater Public Participation in Blood Donation
The Chief Minister urged people to actively participate in blood donation, describing it as an invaluable gift of life and an important form of humanitarian service.
He said blood is not merely a fluid flowing through the human body but an essential element that sustains life, energy and human existence.
Patel emphasised that public awareness and participation are equally important alongside medical advancements in addressing the challenges posed by blood disorders.
Gujarat Provides Rs 10 Lakh Health Coverage Under Ayushman Bharat
Referring to the healthcare initiatives of the Central and Gujarat governments, Patel said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, healthcare in India is increasingly focusing on holistic well-being rather than treatment alone.
He highlighted the Ayushman Bharat scheme, under which eligible families receive health coverage of Rs 5 lakh. The Gujarat government has added another Rs 5 lakh to this coverage, taking the total health protection cover to Rs 10 lakh.
He said the state government remains committed to providing affordable, quality and people-centric healthcare services.
Focus on Prevention, Healthy Lifestyles and Medical Advancements
Referring to Prime Minister Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, Patel said healthy citizens are among the country’s greatest assets.
He stressed that disease prevention should receive as much attention as treatment and referred to the traditional principle of ‘Pehla Sukh Te Nirogi Kaya’, which highlights the importance of good health.
The Chief Minister also mentioned initiatives such as natural farming, yoga, pranayama, Mission LiFE and the Fit India Movement, saying these programmes encourage healthier lifestyles and contribute to building a healthier society.
He further highlighted medical advancements in bone marrow transplantation, stem cell therapy and immunotherapy, describing them as promising developments that offer new hope to patients suffering from serious blood disorders.
e-RaktKosh Platform to Improve Access to Blood Availability Information
Patel also referred to the Centre’s e-RaktKosh digital platform, which provides information about blood availability through a centralised system.
He said technology has made it easier for patients and their families to access information about blood availability and locate blood when required.
The Chief Minister reiterated that stronger coordination between government and private blood banks is necessary to ensure the availability of safe blood for patients.
HEMATOCon-2026 to Discuss Latest Developments in Blood Disorder Treatment
The three-day conference is focusing on the latest developments in the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders and related medical fields.
Key areas of discussion include:
- Diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders and blood cancers.
- Stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy.
- Immunotherapy and precision medicine.
- Thalassaemia, sickle cell disease and haemophilia.
- Anaemia, leukaemia and other blood cancers.
- Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).
The conference also aims to increase public awareness about these diseases and the importance of early diagnosis, timely treatment and access to appropriate healthcare.
More Than 2,500 Delegates from India and Abroad Participate
More than 2,500 delegates are participating in HEMATOCon-2026. The participants include leading haematologists, haemato-oncologists, medical oncologists, bone marrow transplant physicians, pathologists, researchers, faculty members and postgraduate students.
Medical professionals from several countries are also attending the conference, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Japan, Taiwan, China and South Korea.
The event also witnessed the unveiling of the organisation’s souvenir.
Through the conference, medical experts and researchers are expected to exchange knowledge and discuss ways to strengthen research, improve treatment approaches and increase awareness about serious blood-related diseases.
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