Dr. Tapan Kumar Ghosh Bagged Award for Pathologist, Working in Transfusion, Thalassemia

Dr. Tapan Kumar Ghosh

Director , Santiniketan Medical College Blood centre since January 2023.

Prior joining was Director, Bankura Sammilani  Medical College Blood Centre and reporting in charge of Thalassemia April 2013 to 2022 October  2022 and faculty Department Of Pathology

Ex Director, Burdwan   Medical College Blood Centre and reporting in charge of Thalassemia April 2009to 2013 and faculty Department Of Pathology

Contribution in blood banking

Dr. Tapan Kumar Ghosh, MBBS, DCP, PhD (Med)

Pathologist | Blood Bank Advisor | Thalassemia Activist

Contribution in Blood Banking

1. Voluntary Blood Donation Initiatives

Organized and supervised over 200 voluntary blood donation camps across West Bengal.

Promoted 100% voluntary blood donation, reducing dependence on replacement donors and ensuring ethical blood supply.

2. Thalassemia Care and Blood Access

Co-initiated a patient-focused blood availability project in 2018 at Bankura Medical College, in collaboration with Dr. Partha Pratim Pradhan.

Mobilized blood support networks for transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients, with documented media coverage (e.g., Anandabazar Patrika).

3. Infrastructure Development and Quality Assurance

Provided technical and administrative guidance in setting up and managing blood banks and storage centers.

Trained laboratory personnel in blood component preparation, crossmatching, and transfusion-transmitted infection screening (ELISA, NAT).

4. Community Awareness and Education

Conducted regular public awareness sessions on blood donation, safe transfusion, and rational use of blood components.

Designed IEC materials and outreach programs for students, NGOs, and community health workers.

5. Administrative and Regulatory ComplianceServed as Blood Centre Coordinator in medical institutions.

Advised hospitals on compliance with  NACO/NBTC norms, licensing, documentation, and SOP standardization.

Contribution in thalassemia control

Community-Based Thalassemia Screening

Initiated and coordinated multiple thalassemia screening camps in rural and urban areas across West Bengal. Successfully screened hundreds of school and college students, newly married couples, and antenatal mothers for hemoglobinopathies using HPLC and NESTROFT.

Blood Support for Thalassemia PatientsLaunched the “Get Blood at Your Nearest Blood Centre” program in 2018 with Dr. Partha Pratim Pradhan at Bankura Medical College. Ensured uninterrupted and ethical blood supply to transfusion-dependent patients in resource-limited districts. Efforts highlighted in leading newspapers including Anandabazar Patrika.

Awareness, Advocacy, and Genetic Counseling.Delivered counseling sessions on thalassemia inheritance, prevention, and the importance of carrier detection. Advocated for mandatory premarital screening and inclusion of thalassemia education in school health programs.

Training and Academic Involvement

Trained paramedical students, laboratory technicians, and junior doctors on thalassemia testing protocols, transfusion schedules, and iron chelation therapy. Lectured extensively on thalassemia pathology, transfusion complications, and molecular genetics in academic forums.

Research and Policy Input

Co-authored studies on transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) in thalassemia patients; emphasized the need for NAT-based screening and HBV vaccination. Participated in panel discussions for improving government-level thalassemia registry and patient tracking systems.

Selected Publications

Importance of Screening and Identification of Alloantibodies in Multi-Transfused Patients of Thalassemia Major

Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care. Focused on alloantibody development risks in thalassemia patients.

A Prospective Study for Prevalence and/or Development of Transfusion-Transmitted Infections in Multiply Transfused Thalassemia Major Patients

Dr. Ghosh has co-authored several peer-reviewed studies addressing various aspects of thalassemia:

Transfusion-Transmitted Infections (TTIs): In a 2023 study, he investigated the prevalence of TTIs among transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients at Bankura Sammilani Medical College. The study found that 5.9% of patients had TTIs, with Hepatitis C being the most common. The research emphasized the need for more sensitive screening methods like nucleic acid testing (NAT) and recommended hepatitis B vaccination for all thalassemia patients. 

Alloantibody Screening: A 2020 publication highlighted the importance of identifying alloantibodies in multi-transfused thalassemia major patients to prevent complications during transfusions. 

Genetic Mutation Analysis: In 2016, Dr. Ghosh contributed to a study analyzing beta-globin gene mutations among the Bengali population. This research aimed to understand the genetic diversity of thalassemia mutations, which is crucial for effective screening and counseling programs. 

???? Role in Thalassemia Control

Beyond research, Dr. Ghosh has been actively involved in thalassemia control initiatives:

Population Screening Programs: He participated in a cross-sectional study at Burdwan Medical College, which screened over 3,800 individuals for hemoglobinopathies. The study underscored the importance of early detection and genetic counseling in managing thalassemia. 

Public Health Advocacy: Dr. Ghosh's research has informed public health strategies, advocating for routine screening of blood donors and recipients, especially in regions with high thalassemia prevalence.

Ghosh, T.K., et al. (2023). Occurrence of Transfusion Transmitted Infections Among Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia Patients in A Tertiary Care Hospital in India. International Journal of Human and Health Sciences.

Ghosh, T.K., et al. (2020). Importance of Screening and Identification of Alloantibodies in Multi-Transfused Patients of Thalassemia Major. International Journal of Human and Health Sciences.

Ghosh, T.K., et al. (2016). Cross-Sectional Study for the Detection of Mutations in the Beta-Globin Gene Among Patients with Hemoglobinopathies in the Bengali Population.

Dr. Ghosh's work has significantly contributed to understanding and managing thalassemia in India, particularly in West Bengal.  His research supports the development of more effective screening programs and informs public health policies aimed at controlling this genetic disorder.

Quantitative Analysis and Comparison of Mast Cells in Breast Carcinomas and Axillary Lymph Nodes

Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. Investigates mast cell distribution and role in breast cancer pathology.

A Comparative Evaluation of USG-Guided FNAC with Conventional FNAC in the Preoperative Assessment of Thyroid Lesions

Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. Evaluates diagnostic accuracy of USG-guided FNAC vs. conventional methods.

Working in NGO

Contribution in NGO and Social Work

 Member – Shaheed Sibsankar Seba Samity

Actively engaged in rural health and education through a non-profit platform named after freedom fighter Sibsankar Chowdhury. The NGO focuses on providing basic healthcare, organizing blood donation camps, and supporting paramedical education in underprivileged areas.Community Health Outreach Organized free medical check-up camps, thalassemia screening drives, and health education programs across rural West Bengal, benefitting thousands of villagers and tribal populations .Blood Donation Advocacy

Present  work on Thalassemia

Coordination of Free Thalassemia Screening Programs

Regularly organizing free thalassemia screening camps in schools, colleges, and tribal regions in West Bengal, especially targeting adolescents and newlyweds for early carrier detection.

Awareness and Counseling Sessions

Conducting awareness sessions on thalassemia prevention, premarital screening, and genetic counseling. Special focus on engaging young people and promoting responsible reproductive decisions.Monitoring Transfusion-Dependent Patients

Involved in monitoring clinical profiles and transfusion protocols for thalassemia major patients. Coordinating safe blood supply from nearest blood centres and advocating regular follow-ups.

Advising local healthcare bodies on strengthening thalassemia control measures. Participating in state-level meetings to improve thalassemia registry and insurance support.Collaboration with Laboratories and Institutions

Working closely with diagnostic labs and medical colleges to ensure reliable HPLC testing, hemoglobin electrophoresis, and iron chelation monitoring for thalassemia patients.

Why I Prefer World Book of Records

I believe that associating with the World Book of Records provides a global platform to highlight and validate the critical work being done in the fields of thalassemia awareness and blood transfusion services. By documenting these efforts at an international level, we not only gain recognition but also motivate others to join the cause.

Thalassemia continues to be a major public health challenge in India. Through World Book of Records, we can emphasize the importance of carrier screening, proper diagnosis, and availability of safe and adequate blood for transfusion-dependent patients. It allows us to reach policymakers, institutions, and the community with renewed credibility and impact.

Furthermore, being featured in such a prestigious forum builds public trust, encourages volunteerism, and strengthens our ability to advocate for sustainable solutions. It is not just an acknowledgment, but a strategic tool to improve services, mobilize resources, and foster a collective movement for a thalassemia-free future.