Manipur's first bone marrow transplant unit opened at AOI Imphal
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 08 2025: The state's first Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) facility was inaugurated at the American Oncology Institute (AOI) in collaboration with Babina Specialty Hospital, Khabeisoi.

This facility marks a major breakthrough, allowing patients in the Northeast to access advanced cancer treatment without the need to travel to metropolitan cities.

The newly launched unit is expected to benefit patients battling leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and aplastic anemia.

Until now, those in need of a BMT had to seek treatment in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, facing significant financial and logistical challenges.

Manipur's first bone marrow transplant unit opened at AOI Imphal

With this facility, Manipur joins a small group of states in the Northeast offering BMT services, apart from select hospitals in Guwahati.

The inauguration event was attended by senior government officials, including health services director Dr Chambo Gonmei, who lauded the initiative as a "transformative step" for healthcare.

He emphasised that the unit would provide timely and specialised treatment, reducing dependence on distant hospitals.

Family welfare director Dr N Hemantaku-mar echoed this sentiment, stating that the facility would ease the burden on families who previously had to seek expensive treatment outside the state.

Babina Group CMD Dr Dhabali Thangjam announced that BMT procedures at AOI Imphal would cost Rs 7 to Rs 8 lakh, significantly lower than the Rs 15 to Rs 20 lakh charged in metro hospitals.

Similarly, kidney transplants at Babina Specialty Hospital will be available for around Rs 10 lakh, making them more accessible to patients.

He also revealed that the BMT unit had already been operational for five months, with the official inauguration marking its expansion.

In addition to the BMT unit, AOI Imphal now offers Nuclear Scans and Iodine Therapy for Thyroid Cancer, previously only available in Guwahati.

CTSI-South Asia CEO Harish Trivedi reaffirmed AOI's commitment to bringing worldclass cancer treatment to underserved regions, ensuring that quality healthcare is not limited to those who can afford to travel.