Mulund: In a landmark step toward eradicating genetic blood disorders, Fortis Healthcare has launched “Mission 2035”, a nationwide initiative aimed at eliminating thalassemia from India.
The campaign was flagged off with a large-scale awareness event, “Red Run to End Thalassemia,” held at the Fortis Memorial Research Institute, with participation from over 2,500 citizens.
Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff, who has been named the brand ambassador for the initiative, lent his support to the cause by advocating for greater public awareness around thalassemia.
Thalassemia is a hereditary blood disorder that affects thousands of newborns each year in India, with an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 children born annually with the condition.
Mission 2035 sets a strategic framework to tackle the disease comprehensively. Its key objectives include:
- Declaring thalassemia a notifiable disease
- Tracking of reported cases through a centralised system
- Launching awareness drives in high-prevalence regions
- Enforcing mandatory premarital and pre-pregnancy screenings
- Expanding access to HPLC testing and stem cell transplantation
Speaking to mediapersons about the initiative, Dr Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, CEO of Fortis Healthcare, stated, “Thalassemia is a preventable condition.
With the right screening tools and medical guidance, it can be brought under control. Fortis is committed to tackling this disease through an integrated approach involving medical care, social participation, public awareness, and policy-level collaboration.”
Fortis Healthcare Mission 2035
The Mission 2035 campaign aims not only to provide treatment but also to catalyse systemic reform in India’s healthcare infrastructure. It signifies a transformational movement, bringing India closer to the goal of becoming a thalassemia-free nation.
