CM Revanth assures full medical, financial support for child with acute leukaemia in Hyderabad
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia is a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in children, though it can affect adults as well.
By Newsmeter Network
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has stepped in to ensure life-saving medical care for a two-year-old child from Hyderabad diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL).
Upon being alerted to the child’s critical condition and the family’s financial distress, the Chief Minister immediately directed state officials to facilitate emergency treatment. Following his orders, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) contacted the family to assure them that the state would bear the entire cost of the medical procedure.
The family visited Gandhi Hospital for treatment, but were told that it is blood cancer and there would be a need for high-end medicines.
Full financial and medical backing
Robin Zaccheus, a social activist, says, “A friend of mine working in Gandhi Hospital met with the family and that is how I got in contact with them. They are from Hyderabad and the costs of treatment for this cancer are very high. They were looking for help and I am glad that through my intervention, the chief minister’s office has acted and provided the assistance.”
The child is to be admitted to the Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital. To ensure there are no delays in the commencement of the treatment, the Chief Minister has authorised the issuance of a Letter of Credit (LoC), providing the family with full financial and medical backing during this challenging time.
Understanding Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL)
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia is a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in children, though it can affect adults as well.
How it works
The disease affects lymphocytes—a type of white blood cell that normally helps the body fight infection. In a patient with ALL, the bone marrow produces too many immature white blood cells (lymphoblasts). These ‘leukaemia cells’ crowd out healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
The ‘acute’ nature
Unlike chronic leukaemias, ‘acute’ means the disease progresses rapidly. Without immediate treatment, it can become life-threatening within a short period.
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent fever and frequent infections.
- Easy bruising or bleeding (e.g., nosebleeds or bleeding gums).
- Pale skin and shortness of breath due to anaemia.
- Bone and joint pain.
- Swollen lymph nodes or an enlarged abdomen.
Intensive chemotherapy
Standard care typically involves intensive chemotherapy divided into phases (induction, consolidation, and maintenance) to achieve and maintain remission. In some cases, targeted therapy or stem cell transplants are required.
The timely intervention by the Telangana government is critical, as early and consistent treatment is the key to high survival rates in pediatric blood cancer cases.
