The Department of Clinical Haematology looks after and treats people with blood related disorders. These include blood cancers (Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma), disorders associated with low haemoglobin (various types of anaemia - including thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia), bleeding disorders (haemophilia and others), and other rare diseases. Stem cell transplantation for leukemias, lymp
homas, myelomas and other disease like hemoglobinopathies, primary immunodeficiency etc are done in the department. The department is also engaged in teaching and training of doctors and medical students and is involved in various research activities. Haematology services had started in Christian Medical College, Vellore dating back to 1950s by Dr. Selwyn Baker. Dr. Mammen Chandy was instrumental in the development of the department to its present status. Under his pioneering leadership, we conducted the first stem cell transplantation for thalassemia in 1986. He was involved in the setting up of the first sustained bone marrow transplantation programme in the country. He started several clinical initiatives in haematology and mentored many faculty members of the department. Due to his efforts we also have a well established molecular diagnosis laboratory. Today, clinical and laboratory haematology programme at CMC Vellore has grown to become the most prominent one in the country in terms of patient numbers, research publications and training.
