Fortis Gurugram Organises ‘Red Run to End Thalassemia’; Supported by Actor Jackie Shroff -~ Launches “Mission 2035” – A Nationwide Movement to End Thalassemia by 2035 ~

Fortis Gurugram Organises ‘Red Run to End Thalassemia’; Supported by Actor Jackie Shroff 

~ Launches “Mission 2035” – A Nationwide Movement to End Thalassemia by 2035 ~

Gurugram, 27th April 2025: Fortis Healthcare today launched ‘Mission 2035’, a bold, nationwide movement aimed at eliminating Thalassemia from India by the year 2035. To mark the beginning of this ambitious initiative, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram organised the Red Run to End Thalassemia, a large-scale public awareness event that witnessed participation from over 2,000 individuals, covering a distance of 5 kilometres in solidarity with the cause.

The event was graced by Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff, who joined as the brand ambassador for Thalassemia awareness. His presence and support added momentum to this critical healthcare movement that brings together medical professionals, policymakers, NGOs, patient advocacy groups, and the wider community to tackle Thalassemia at its roots. Thalassemia is a preventable genetic blood disorder; yet more than 10,000 to 15,000 children are born with it each year in India. Mission 2035 aims to change this reality by raising awareness, promoting early screening and genetic counselling, improving access to treatment, and advocating for policy-level reforms to prevent new cases.

Key Recommendations by Fortis Healthcare under Mission 2035: 

• Declare Thalassemia a Notifiable Disease & Launch a Central Dashboard: Enable real-time tracking of cases and region-specific interventions

• Targeted Knowledge Implementation in High-Prevalence Areas: Start with hotspots to train healthcare workers, build awareness, and expand access to genetic counselling before scaling nationally.

• National Campaign - ‘No New Birth with Thalassemia’: Promote widespread carrier screening, premarital and prenatal testing, and integrate mandatory Thalassemia screening into the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) program.

• Scale Up Access to HPLC Testing: Expand the availability of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) machines for early and accurate diagnosis.

• Strengthen Care for Existing Patients While Driving Prevention: Improve access to Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) and accelerate the adoption of emerging gene therapies.

Mr. Jackie Shroff, addressing the gathering, said: “Ending Thalassemia is not just a medical goal - it’s a moral imperative. India sees over 10,000 to 15,000 new cases of Thalassemia major every year. This is a silent crisis that continues to affect countless families, especially in underserved regions. Early screening and awareness can prevent a lifetime of suffering for so many children.

I fully support Fortis Healthcare in this Mission 2035 initiative, which will help create a healthier future for generations to come. Together, we must spread the message far and wide, because prevention begins with awareness.”

Dr. Vikas Dua, Principal Director and Head – Paediatric Haematology, Haemato Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Fortis Gurugram, said: “Thalassemia is a lifelong burden that impacts not just the child, but the entire family - physically, emotionally, and financially. Yet, it is entirely preventable with timely screening and genetic counselling. One informed decision during pregnancy can prevent a lifetime of suffering. As a paediatric haematologist, I have witnessed how early intervention can change lives. Mission 2035 is a critical step toward ensuring that no child in India is born with Thalassemia. With collective effort, awareness, and policy support, we can make this vision a reality.”

Dr. Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, MD & CEO, Fortis Healthcare, said: “Mission 2035 is our commitment to preventive healthcare and a Thalassemia-free India. The Red Run is not just a symbolic event, it’s a powerful expression of collective will. Thalassemia is preventable, and we must act now through early screening, genetic counselling, and public education to stop its transmission. At Fortis, we believe healthcare is as much about prevention as it is about cure. Let today mark the beginning of a united effort, by healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities, to ensure that no child is born with Thalassemia. Together, we can create a healthier, stronger India.”

Mr. Yash Rawat, Facility Director, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, said: “The Red Run for Thalassemia is a powerful initiative to raise awareness, promote early screening, and encourage preventive action against this disorder. We are committed to building a future where Thalassemia is no longer a burden. We sincerely thank Mr. Jackie Shroff for joining and supporting this cause, helping us inspire more people to take meaningful steps towards a Thalassemia-free India.” The event also saw participation from senior dignitaries, NGOs, patient support groups, and community leaders who have been working at the grassroots level to raise awareness and support families affected by Thalassemia.

Fortis Healthcare has long been at the forefront of the fight against Thalassemia through a multi-pronged approach that combines clinical excellence, public advocacy, and community outreach. Supported by its advanced diagnostic arm, Agilus Diagnostics, and specialised haematology departments, Fortis provides screening, genetic counselling, bone marrow transplants, and access to emerging gene therapies. Through school and college programmes, collaborations with NGOs, and partnerships with government bodies, Fortis continues to champion preventive care. With Mission 2035, Fortis reaffirms its commitment to not only treating Thalassemia, but working towards its complete eradication, building a healthcare ecosystem rooted in prevention, early intervention, and informed decision-making.

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