First Indian Dual-Facility Cord Blood Bank Opens

India’s first dual-purpose cord blood banking facility has been opened. For the time ever, parents in the country can choose to donate their child’s cord blood publically or store it privately at the same facility in the Narayana Hrudayalaya Tissue Bank and Stem Cell Research Centre.

In India, the risk of developing blood diseases is much higher, as many children are born with a genetic predisposition to contracting Thalassemia. The disease is characterized by its attack on healthy red blood cells. This causes their blood to carry less oxygen, resulting in breathing problems and fatigue.

Over 1 million people in India are predicted to contract Thalassemia over the next 40 years, illustrating the need for an increasing number of cord blood donors.

“Cord blood derived stem cells can help cure dreaded hematological disease like Thalassemia major, Aplastic anemia, Fanconi’s anemia and over 14 such other conditions”, says Consultant Hematologist Dr. Sharat Damodar.

By having public donation and private banking facilities at the same location, the Narayana Hrudayalaya Tissue Bank and Stem Cell Research Centre makes it easier for parents to consider both options. It also helps to establish cord blood therapy as a viable treatment option, which will hopefully encourage more expecting mothers and fathers to bank their children’s cord blood for future use.