Cryobanks International India, a leader in umbilical cord blood stem cell banking, aims to expand its network in Orissa by involving more families in the state for storage of umbilical cord blood.
Around 200 families in the state have stored umbilical cord blood so far and the company expects this number to grow as it has lined up awareness programmes on this concept in different parts of Orissa.
Phagun Shah, medical advisor, Cryobanks International India said, “The people of Orissa have shown very keen interest in the concept of umbilical cord blood banking and hence we have seen fast growth in 2008. We look forward to developing more awareness on this subject in different parts of the state and expect more enrolments in 2009-10.”
“The umbilical cord blood is a rich source of stem cells and the bank will store them from any willing family for a certain fee. These cells will be vital in saving the life of a person suffering from leukemia, thalassemia, blood cancer and bone marrow transplant”, added Shah.
The people who opt for umbilical cord blood stem cell banking would have to pay Rs 75,000 for a storage duration of 21 years. The amount can be paid either upfront or through equated monthly installments (EMIs).
Cord blood banking is a process of preserving extra blood in the umbilical cord that is attached from the mother’s womb to the baby. The blood in the umbilical cord is rich in stem cells that can be restored and replenished for future use of the baby and his immediate family.
Ghazi Aasim, marketing head, Cryobanks International India said, “With the availability of cord stem cells, one is free from the hassle of arranging a matching bone marrow donor.
