Kozhikode: A young boy and his family flew in from Uganda to Kerala for treatment. Philip, a two-year-old affected by sickle cell anaemia and his mother Rose arrived in Kozhikode for the procedure. The child underwent bone marrow transplant at Aster MIMS hospital. 

Dr. Keshavan, Paediatric Haemato-Oncologist at Aster MIMS, said that there was no other option but to go forward with the bone marrow transplant as Philip was going through insufferable pain and getting repeated infections. Philip’s brother became the donor for the transplant. The doctors said in a press release that Philip underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplant. 

Philip was given chemotherapy and the marrow inside his body was completely removed. He was discharged after the count in his blood improved following the transplant. Dr. Keshavan said that Philip can now lead a normal life like other kids. 

In Kerala, sickle cell anaemia is most commonly seen among Adivasis living in Wayanad. The transplant for Philip came up to about Rs 12 lakh. Doctors K V Gangadharan, Dr E K Suresh Kumar, and Dr Sudeep attended the press meet.