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Daily News Egypt
20-07-2025
- Health
- Daily News Egypt
Roche helps Egypt expand digital pathology and AI diagnostics
Roche Diagnostics is supporting Egypt's expansion of digital pathology and the integration of artificial intelligence into its public health system to improve the speed and accuracy of diagnoses, particularly in underserved regions, a company official said. The initiatives are being rolled out in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Universal Health Insurance (UHI) system, according to Liliane Kanaan, North Africa Lead and General Manager for Egypt at Roche Diagnostics. Egypt is one of the first countries in Africa to adopt digital pathology at scale. The technology digitises tissue samples, allowing them to be viewed and analysed remotely. 'By reducing diagnostic turnaround times and enabling telepathology, this innovation will improve both the speed and equity of care delivery,' Kanaan said. 'In underserved communities, digital pathology will facilitate timely first opinions, helping patients receive a diagnosis locally without the need for extensive travel.' For more complex cases, the system allows for rapid second opinions from national or international experts. 'This significantly decreases the travel time and physical burden on both patients and healthcare professionals, while also accelerating diagnosis and treatment planning,' Kanaan added. Roche is also collaborating with national stakeholders to integrate AI into diagnostic workflows by deploying digital pathology scanners and AI-powered tools to modernise hospital pathology laboratories. Kanaan said this helps reduce the burden on healthcare professionals and directly addresses a critical skills gap. 'Notably, this solution directly addresses the severe shortage of pathologists across Africa, where statistics reveal there is approximately one pathologist for every one million people—compared to a ratio of about 1 to 25,000 in countries like the United States and United Kingdom,' she said. The company, which has operated in Egypt for over two decades, has been involved in several national health programmes. Kanaan cited collaborations that have contributed to national health outcomes, including Egypt's Hepatitis C elimination campaign. 'Roche played a key role in deploying national screening efforts, contributing to Egypt's recognition as a WHO Golden Tier country for HCV elimination—an achievement that reflects both the scale and effectiveness of the programme,' she stated. Other past partnerships include supporting the national blood safety strategy with Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) technology at the National Blood Transfusion Center and providing over two million tests during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company continues to support the Presidential Breast Cancer Initiative, launched in 2019, which has screened more than 30 million women to date. Aligning with national priorities like the Presidential Women's Health Initiative ensures innovation addresses the population's most pressing needs, Kanaan said. As part of this, Roche supported the upgrade of more than 26 public pathology laboratories across Egypt. 'These 26 upgraded sites enabled us to deliver over 20,000 full breast cancer diagnostic panels, an essential step in defining effective treatment plans for patients,' she said. Roche is also participating in the national cervical cancer early detection campaign, which has screened more than 20,000 women in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and several non-governmental organisations (NGOs). To meet the region's specific needs, Kanaan said the company localises its solutions by engaging with stakeholders including the Ministry of Health, UHI, military hospitals, academic institutions and NGOs. This involves providing comprehensive solutions that go beyond product sales to include capacity-building programmes, lab software and health consultancy services tailored to local infrastructure and regulations.
The Hindu
17-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Thalassemia patients call for standardised tests to reduce transfusion-transmitted infections
On Thursday (July 17, 2025), the Thalassemia Patients Advocacy Group (TPAG), along with legal and health experts, called for the need to strengthen blood safety practices across the country – particularly the need for a standardised test to screen blood donations – to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections. Following the discussion, held at India International Centre in Delhi on Thursday (July 17, 2025), the group said they would be submitting their recommendations to stakeholders including state and central governments. A 23-year-old Thalassemia patient from Kolkata, present during the discussion, shared her experience of contracting dengue and then testing positive for HIV, to which lack of blood screening could have contributed. She said, 'From the age of two, I have been taking blood transfusions. As a Thalassemia patient, I would require it every 21 days. When I was in Class 8, I contracted dengue and then tested positive with HIV. I don't know for sure if I got it during the blood transfusion or not, but the testing has an important role to play.' At present, Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT), a highly sensitive molecular technique used to screen blood donations for infectious diseases, is used in some hospitals. While it is treated as a gold standard, it is not mandatory across the country. Tuhin A. Sinha, a BJP spokesperson present during the discussion vowed to the group that he would help them take the dialogue forward. Speaking about the importance of NAT testing, he said, 'The Delhi government hospitals have been quick to ensure that it is in place. But one of the important steps should be to develop advocacy for implementing it across the country.' He also suggested incentivising blood donations, saying, 'The more people join the ecosystem, either by way of espousing the idea of donating blood, it will lead to the institutionalisation of systems where checks and balances can be implemented more aggressively.' The discussion was moderated by Anubha Taneja Mukherjee, Member Secretary of TPAG, which is a network of over 10,000 thalassemia patients in the country. She said, 'Based on today's discussion, we will send recommendations to stakeholders including the government, and government agencies.' The recommendations included standardised blood transfusion practises and a mandate for NAT, a national-level blood donation campaign involving influencers, mandatory thalassemia screening for pregnant women. She added that in an attempt to reduce dependence on blood transfusion, hospitals should also make available, novel therapies such as gene therapy. During the discussion, P.C. Sen, a Supreme Court advocate, spoke about the legal and ethical responsibilities of the state and institutions to ensure pathogen-free blood as a constitutional right. Meanwhile, Professor N.K. Ganguly, former Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) suggested an approach that would also involve patients of other blood disorders such as sickle cell anaemia.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Lack of voluntary blood donations help ‘red market' thrive
1 2 3 Nagpur: As the world observes World Blood Donor Day 2025 under the theme "Give blood, give hope: Together we save lives," Maharashtra's health minister, Prakash Abitkar, directed officials to urgently implement a "No Shortage, No Wastage" policy. The policy aims to ensure timely access to safe blood for patients while also curbing avoidable wastage due to poor coordination. "Blood is a national resource, and its collection, storage, and use must be meticulously managed," said Abitkar during a state-level review of blood services. He noted that seasonal imbalances, such as massive blood collection during national events or birthdays of politicians, often contrast with shortfalls during festivals and summer, creating a mismatch in supply and demand. He directed health authorities to design and submit a comprehensive policy immediately. The state govt also plans to introduce new rules for granting NOCs to blood bank operators and explore NAT (Nucleic Acid Testing) in govt blood banks for higher safety. Meanwhile, Dr Sunil Khaparde, former director of NACO and now a city-based national expert on blood safety, raised alarm over India's growing dependence on paid or professional donors, despite legal bans. "With a demand of 1.2 crore units annually, we still fall short by over 30 lakh units. The deficit often drives patients to the underground 'Red Market,' where ethics and safety are routinely compromised," said Dr Khaparde. He stressed that while portals like e-RaktKosh and govt campaigns have made strides, the absence of a centralized national blood collection agency is keenly felt. "Even today, much of our blood supply comes from professional donors or family replacements. Genuine voluntary donation remains under 50%," he noted. Dr Harish Warbhe, medical director of Lifeline Blood Centre in the city, emphasized the health benefits of voluntary donation even for the donors themselves. "Regular voluntary blood donation not only saves lives but also stimulates the donor's bone marrow to produce fresh, healthier blood cells. It reduces iron overload in the body and gives a sense of purpose and community connection. It's a simple act with profound benefits — for recipients and donors alike," he said. India's Blood Gap: Key Facts India needs around 1.2 crore units of blood every year Only about 90 lakh units are collected annually This leads to a shortfall of approximately 30 lakh units each year In the summer months, the shortfall often touches 50%, worsening the crisis India still does not meet the WHO-recommended 1% blood reserve based on the total population Less than 50% of blood donations are truly voluntary; the rest come from relatives if patients Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
With 1.6L units till May, Pune dist ahead in blood donation so far this year
Pune: Pune district has topped the state with 1.58 lakh units of blood donated to banks between Jan and May, this year. Between Jan and May, 2,127 blood donation campaigns were organized in Pune district, data from State Blood Transfusion Council said. Mumbai held 1,651 campaigns and collected 1.27 lakh units. Solapur district came third with 88,000 blood units from 1,276 campaigns. Overall, the state collected 9.81 lakh units through 17,139 campaigns, but the collection is nowhere close to the demand, health department officials said. Dr Purushottam Puri, additional director of the council, health services in Maharashtra, said in 2024, the state collected 21.68 lakh units. This year, in the first five months, 9.48 lakh units of blood was collected, so far. Puri added, "Very few blood donation camps have been held because of college vacations. The demand for blood is always higher than the supply, especially in tier two cities where there is less awareness about blood donation. With increased road accidents and medical emergencies, the demand for blood is going up. More people must donate blood. No healthcare institute can survive without adequate supply." Dr Liza Bulsara, consultant for hemato oncology and bone marrow transplant physician at Jupiter Hospital in Pune, said blood donation should be a lifelong process. "Certain patient groups require blood far more frequently than others. Children with thalassemia may need transfusions every 15-20 days. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, or those in ICUs, often depend on a steady blood supply. Each donated unit can be separated into red cells, plasma and platelets. One unit can help up to three patients at once," she added. Health minister Prakash Abitkar, in a statement on Friday, said new rules were needed to issue no objection certificate to institutions setting up blood banks in the state. "No shortage, no waste policy should be implemented so that every needy patient in the state gets blood on time. The feasibility of starting NAT (Nucleic Acid Testing) in govt blood banks in the state should be studied and a report should be submitted," the statement added. Steady Rise In Collection In 2020 I 15.46 lakh units In 2021 I 16.73 lakh units 2022 I 19.28 lakh units 2023 I 20.44 lakh units 2024 I 21.68 lakh units (Maharashtra figures I Source: State Blood Transfusion Council) Today Is Blood Donor Day WHO says most people can give blood if they are in good health, blood donation by 1% of the population is minimum need for a nation's basic requirements Ideal age I Between 18 and 65 years with weight above 50kg One unit corresponds with 450 ml of blood The clinical demand was estimated to be 14.6 million units of blood by National Estimation of Blood requirement in India prepared by NACO In 2017,annual collection reported by NACO was 11.1 million units Do not donate blood if your haemoglobin level is less than 12g/dl for women and 13g/dl for men Caption: On Friday, Pune Airport organized a blood donation camp in observance of the World Blood Donor Day Photo credit: Pune Airport Authority Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Lack of blood donations help ‘red market' thrive
slug: World Blood Donor's Day Nagpur: As the world observes World Blood Donor Day 2025 under the theme "Give blood, give hope: Together we save lives," Maharashtra's health minister, Prakash Abitkar, directed officials to urgently implement a "No Shortage, No Wastage" policy. The policy aims to ensure timely access to safe blood for patients while also curbing avoidable wastage due to poor coordination. "Blood is a national resource, and its collection, storage, and use must be meticulously managed," said Abitkar during a state-level review of blood services. He noted that seasonal imbalances, such as massive blood collection during national events or birthdays of politicians, often contrast with shortfalls during festivals and summer, creating a mismatch in supply and demand. He directed health authorities to design and submit a comprehensive policy immediately. The state govt also plans to introduce new rules for granting NOCs to blood bank operators and explore NAT (Nucleic Acid Testing) in govt blood banks for higher safety. Meanwhile, Dr Sunil Khaparde, former director of NACO and now a city-based national expert on blood safety, raised alarm over India's growing dependence on paid or professional donors, despite legal bans. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo "With a demand of 1.2 crore units annually, we still fall short by over 30 lakh units. The deficit often drives patients to the underground 'Red Market,' where ethics and safety are routinely compromised," said Dr Khaparde. He stressed that while portals like e-RaktKosh and govt campaigns have made strides, the absence of a centralized national blood collection agency is keenly felt. "Even today, much of our blood supply comes from professional donors or family replacements. Genuine voluntary donation remains under 50%," he noted. Dr Harish Warbhe, medical director of Lifeline Blood Centre in the city, emphasized the health benefits of voluntary donation even for the donors themselves. "Regular voluntary blood donation not only saves lives but also stimulates the donor's bone marrow to produce fresh, healthier blood cells. It reduces iron overload in the body and gives a sense of purpose and community connection. It's a simple act with profound benefits — for recipients and donors alike," he said. India's Blood Gap: Key Facts India needs around 1.2 crore units of blood every year Only about 90 lakh units are collected annually This leads to a shortfall of approximately 30 lakh units each year In the summer months, the shortfall often touches 50%, worsening the crisis India still does not meet the WHO-recommended 1% blood reserve based on the total population Less than 50% of blood donations are truly voluntary; the rest come from relatives if patients Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
