On 6th January, Sankalp India Foundation marked a significant milestone in its mission to streamline thalassemia care by initiating critical improvements at the newly established government day care center in Ananthpur. This center, which had long struggled with inadequate facilities and inefficient processes, is now poised to offer faster and more reliable treatment, thanks to Sankalp’s dedicated efforts.
Key Changes and Achievements
Previously, the process from admission to discharge for thalassemia patients took an exhausting three days. Following discussions and negotiations with hospital management, Sankalp successfully streamlined the entire process, reducing it to just one day. The new operating hours are now from 8 AM to 4 PM, ensuring timely and efficient service delivery.
Another major hurdle was the delay in receiving blood test results. A complete blood count (CBC) test used to take half a day, causing unnecessary delays in treatment. However, the hospital management has agreed to expedite this process, aiming to deliver results within five minutes. Similarly, blood issuance, which earlier occurred at 3 PM, will now happen by 12 noon, ensuring timely transfusions with the added benefit of saline wash for better patient outcomes.
Addressing Blood Shortages
Given the persistent shortage of blood, families were previously required to arrange for replacement donors. To alleviate this burden, Sankalp has pledged to support the center with an assured supply of blood whenever needed, ensuring that no patient is denied timely care due to a lack of resources.
Collaborative Efforts for Improved Care
To further enhance patient management, Sankalp negotiated with the hospital management to introduce several support mechanisms. These include:
- HLA Typing for 18 Families: In line with Sankalp’s commitment to offering long-term solutions, HLA typing was conducted for 18 families, a critical step in identifying potential bone marrow donors.
- Training Session for Medical Staff: A session on treatment protocols was conducted for postgraduate doctors, assistant professors, and professors to ensure standardized and effective care for thalassemia patients.
- Dedicated Doctor Support: A request was made for a dedicated doctor to visit the day care for two hours daily to monitor patient progress and address any concerns. This initiative is expected to significantly improve patient observation and follow-up.
Support for Administrative Efficiency
One of the key issues faced by doctors was the time-consuming task of filling out OPD forms. To address this, Sankalp appointed a nurse-coordinator who will manage the OPD documentation, thereby allowing doctors to focus on patient care and speeding up the overall process.
Engaging with Key Hospital Departments
Dr. Praveen, who played a pivotal role in initiating this transformative project, facilitated crucial meetings with key hospital personnel, including the Resident Medical Officer (RMO) and the Heads of the OBG and Pediatric departments. During these discussions, the Sankalp team emphasized the importance of prevention and awareness among parents of children previously born with thalassemia. The Pediatric HOD was particularly receptive to Sankalp’s cure program and agreed to collaborate on testing and preventive measures.
A Promising Future
This initiative marks a significant step forward in Sankalp India Foundation’s ongoing efforts to improve thalassemia care and management across the country. With continued collaboration and support from the hospital staff and management, the Ananthpur day care center is set to become a model facility for comprehensive and efficient thalassemia treatment.
Sankalp India Foundation remains committed to its mission of ensuring that every child with thalassemia receives the best possible care and that preventive measures are in place to reduce the incidence of this condition. The success of this project is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, persistence, and a shared vision for a healthier future.