Haematological diseases range from the mundane such as nutritional anemias and malaria, which can be treated easily with low cost medications, to complex illnesses like hemophilia and cancers, which are expensive to manage and unaffordable to the majority of patients in our country. Thus, the scientific program has been well designed to encompass both benign and malignant disorders, with a perfect blend of clinical and laboratory aspects of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine as practised in our country.

Haematology has finally come of age in our country. It has gained recognition as a sub specialty and has become one of the most sought after streams for super specialization. Further, fame of our society has spread beyond our country and our conferences now have participation from EHA and ASH and we are being approached by a growing number of international societies for collaboration. Our members regularly attend international conferences to update their skill and knowledge and are on par with their counterparts globally.

In addition to several academic activities conducted by ISHBT and its academic arm, the ICH, ISHBT plans to introduce socially relevant programs throughout the country, in the form of educating the population about nutritional anemias and other common haematological disorders with special focus on inherited anemias (sickle cell anemia and thalassemia) in the endemic zones. These will be aimed at uplifting the economically weaker sections of our society.

With best wishes for a fruitful conference and an enjoyable stay in Bhubaneswar.

Regards,

Dr. Shanaz Khodaiji,

President ISHBT,
Consultant Haematology and Transfusion Medicine,
P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Mahim, Mumbai