Safdarjung Hospital's Landmark Paediatric Bone Marrow Transplant

The Centre-run Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi successfully conducted its first paediatric bone marrow transplant on a nine-year-old boy with lymphoma. The procedure marks a significant milestone as the hospital shifts focus towards paediatric transplants, having previously only performed such procedures on adults.

The Centre-run Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi has achieved a medical breakthrough by successfully performing its inaugural paediatric bone marrow transplant on a nine-year-old boy diagnosed with lymphoma.

Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, challenged doctors at the Division of Paediatric Hematology Oncology at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital. Head of Department, Dr Ratan Gupta, revealed that the young patient had relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma, which initially responded to chemotherapy but later recurred, necessitating the transplant.

Orchestrated by Dr Prashant Prabhakar, the complex procedure was completed free of charge, a stark contrast to the Rs 10 to 12 lakh it would have cost in a private hospital. The patient was discharged and will continue to be monitored closely. This milestone follows the establishment of a dedicated bone marrow transplant unit in 2021, opening new avenues for paediatric care.