Jammu, July 11: Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences and Hospital (ASCOMS), in collaboration with the Global Association of Indian Medical Students (GAIMS), DKMS Foundation India, and the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), successfully organised a Stem Cell Awareness and Voluntary Donor Registration Drive on Saturday, witnessing an overwhelming participation of over 300 students, faculty members and healthcare professionals, with more than 240 individuals voluntarily registering as potential stem cell donors through a simple oral cheek swab procedure.
The programme aimed to spread awareness about stem cell donation and its life-saving role in the treatment of blood cancers, thalassemia, aplastic anaemia and several other life-threatening blood disorders. The event commenced with an informative awareness session, followed by voluntary donor registration and oral swab sample collection for inclusion in the DKMS stem cell donor registry.
The event was graced by Dr. Pavan Malhotra, Director Principal, ASCOMS, as the Chief Guest. Also present was Dr. Arvind Kohli, Medical Director, Swami Vivekanand Hospital, former Professor, Government Medical College Jammu, and renowned CTVS Surgeon, along with several Heads of Departments, senior faculty members, doctors and MBBS students of ASCOMS, all of whom actively participated in and supported the initiative.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Pavan Malhotra highlighted the significance of stem cell donation in saving lives and appreciated the enthusiasm shown by students and faculty in supporting such a noble cause. He commended the efforts of GAIMS, DKMS Foundation India and AAPI in creating awareness among future healthcare professionals and encouraged students to continue participating in community-oriented healthcare initiatives.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from MBBS students, interns, faculty members and doctors, reflecting the growing commitment of the medical fraternity towards voluntary stem cell donation and public health awareness.
The programme was successfully executed by the dedicated GAIMS ASCOMS Organising Team, comprising Shreyas Mahajan (College Head), Muskaan, Sahil, Prabhav, Pranav, Taufeeq, Bhanu Pratap, Deveshwar, Neev, Sunil, Swarit, Ajaypal, Ayush, Archisha, Vanshita, Sehajvrinder, Aryan and Dr. Tamanna, whose meticulous planning, coordination and tireless efforts ensured the smooth conduct and grand success of the event.
The initiative was organised under the leadership and guidance of Dr. Rakshit Goel, Regional Director, North Zone, GAIMS, and Adhishree Bargotra, State Head, GAIMS Jammu & Kashmir, whose constant support, mentorship and coordination played a pivotal role in bringing this landmark programme to fruition.
The organising committee expressed its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Pavan Malhotra, Director Principal, ASCOMS, for his unwavering support, encouragement and guidance, which were instrumental in the successful conduct of the event. The team also conveyed its sincere appreciation to all Heads of Departments, faculty members, doctors and students whose active participation contributed immensely to the success of the initiative.
Special thanks were extended to Mr. Om and Mr. Soumya from the DKMS Foundation India team for delivering the awareness session, facilitating the donor registration process and providing invaluable support throughout the programme. The organisers also acknowledged the continued support of DKMS Foundation India and AAPI in making the event a success.
The organisers further expressed their sincere gratitude to Trinetram Medicity – State-of-the-Art Eye & Multispeciality Hospital for sponsoring the event and supporting this life-saving public health initiative as part of its commitment to community healthcare and social responsibility.
With over 240 new potential stem cell donors added to the national registry, the drive marks a significant milestone in strengthening India's stem cell donor database and increasing the chances of finding life-saving matches for patients battling blood cancers and other serious blood disorders. The organisers reaffirmed their commitment to continuing such awareness initiatives and promoting voluntary stem cell donation across Jammu & Kashmir.
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