Guwahati, Sept 28: Assam has achieved a significant medical milestone with the successful completion of its first matched-sibling bone marrow transplant under the state government’s Snehasparsh scheme. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the development on Monday, highlighting the case of a 10-year-old boy from Barpeta who donated bone marrow to his younger brother at Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute in Guwahati.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister wrote that the elder brother had become the perfect match for his sibling. The transplant was carried out successfully, marking the first such procedure under Snehasparsh in the state. Sarma described it as “a special milestone for our healthcare journey.”
Bone marrow transplants are complex procedures used to treat certain blood disorders and cancers. They require precise donor matching, specialised infrastructure and a skilled medical team. Performing a matched-sibling transplant locally is considered a major step, as such treatments were earlier available mainly outside the Northeast.
The Snehasparsh scheme aims to support patients requiring high-cost treatments by reducing the financial burden on families. Officials said the successful outcome demonstrates growing capacity within Assam’s public healthcare system to handle advanced paediatric and oncology cases.
Medical experts note that matched-sibling transplants generally offer better outcomes due to closer genetic compatibility. The ability to conduct such procedures within the state means families no longer need to travel long distances for similar treatments, saving both time and expense.
The achievement also reflects the gradual strengthening of tertiary care facilities in Assam. Institutions like Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute are expanding their capabilities in specialised fields, which is expected to benefit more patients in the region in the coming years.
