MADURAI
Children affected by leukaemia or blood cancer received sweets and clothing for Deepavali from doctors at the Government Rajaji Hospital here on Friday.
The event was held in association with non-governmental organisations like Jiv Daya Foundation, AROH Foundation and Alaihal Trust. Dean K. Vanitha and Medical Superintendent J. Sangumani said that children with childhood leukaemia could barely live up to six months when there was a lack of technology.
“Now, most can live for even 20 years. On an average, we get about 25-30 admissions each year,” said Dr. Sangumani. The Dean said many patients are living normal lives thanks to treatment from the haemato-oncology unit of the paediatrics department at the hospital.
“All the high-end investigations are done and costly chemotherapeutic drugs are given for free under the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme,” she said.
