On the occasion of Aplastic Anemia Awareness Week (March 1–7), Bharat Serum and Vaccines Limited (BSV) has called for stronger collaboration among healthcare stakeholders to improve early diagnosis and management of the rare but serious blood disorder. Observed this year under the theme “Voices of Strength and Hope,” the awareness week highlights the need for early screening, coordinated referral systems and improved access to treatment. Experts estimate that India records nearly 20,000 cases of aplastic anemia annually, with incidence rates in Asia reported to be two to three times higher than in Western countries. The disease occurs when the bone marrow fails to produce sufficient red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, leading to a condition known as pancytopenia.
Dr. Santosh Kumar, Consultant Pediatric Hemato-oncologist and BMT physician at Medanta Hospital, Patna, said limited awareness and delayed evaluation remain major challenges. “Persistent fatigue, frequent infections, unexplained bruising or abnormal bleeding should prompt timely medical evaluation. Diagnosis requires comprehensive tests including blood profile and bone marrow biopsy,” he noted.
Hospitals in the region are seeing growing demand for advanced hematology testing and bone marrow transplant facilities as awareness improves. Sivani Sarma Deka, COO – India Business at BSV, said the company is working with medical institutions to build an aplasia anemia registry covering 15 centres nationwide to generate real-world data and strengthen disease management.
BSV also stated the need to integrate routine hemoglobin screening into primary healthcare, expand hematology diagnostics beyond metro cities, develop national registries and increase public awareness to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
