AMC Strengthens Ties with TSCS India to Support Thalassemia Patients
AMC
Afghan Medical Complex
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Abstract
The Afghan Medical Complex (AMC), under the Atta Welfare Foundation, has initiated a strategic partnership with the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society (TSCS) India to strengthen care for Afghan thalassemia patients. Established in 1998, TSCS is one of the world’s largest voluntary organisations serving thalassemia and sickle cell patients with free lifelong treatment, including transfusions, medications, and counselling. During AMC’s visit, TSCS shared its two decades of experience in patient care, community outreach, and sustainable healthcare governance, while AMC explored training, advisory, and research collaborations. Both organisations are now working toward a formal MoU to provide Afghan patients with free to affordable treatment, reduce the need for costly travel abroad, and build local capacity for long-term, compassionate care.
Introduction
Our visit laid the groundwork for a partnership that will extend hope and care to Afghan thalassemia patients, many of whom continue to face immense challenges in accessing treatment.
Established in 1998, the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society (TSCS) in Hyderabad has grown into one of the world’s largest voluntary organisations dedicated to serving patients with thalassemia and sickle cell disease. TSCS provides lifelong free treatment to thousands of patients, including regular blood transfusions, medications, counselling, and community support.
The organisation is run with a deep commitment to social responsibility, ensuring that children born with these blood disorders have the opportunity to live healthier, fuller lives.
During our visit, the TSCS team warmly welcomed AMC and proudly shared their journey of more than two decades of service. They provided us with a detailed tour of their facilities, where we witnessed the dedication behind their work.
One of the most moving moments was meeting patients who have been receiving free treatment since childhood and have now grown into healthy adults. These success stories illustrated the power of long-term, consistent care — something AMC is determined to replicate in Afghanistan.
The TSCS leadership openly shared their experiences, lessons, and strategies developed over years of service. Key discussions included:
- The importance of community outreach and awareness campaigns.
- Building systems for consistent blood supply and transfusion services.
- Providing comprehensive care, including medication, counselling, and social support.
- Establishing effective governance and sustainability models for nonprofit healthcare.
These insights are invaluable as AMC develops its own approach to thalassemia care in Afghanistan.
Beyond discussions, AMC proposed developing a structured partnership to strengthen our own capacity in Afghanistan. Together, we explored the possibility of:
- Training programmes for Afghan doctors, nurses, and technicians in thalassemia care.
- Advisory systems to provide guidance in setting up services and facilities.
- Research and knowledge-sharing collaborations to build evidence for policymaking.
The TSCS team responded with enthusiasm and agreed to support AMC in these areas. To formalise this partnership, both sides are now working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to define areas of cooperation and ensure long-term collaboration.
Why This Matters for Afghanistan
Thalassemia remains a hidden but pressing health issue in Afghanistan. Many children go undiagnosed, untreated, or face lifelong struggles due to lack of facilities. Families are often forced to travel abroad, at costs they cannot afford, or simply left without hope.
By partnering with TSCS India, AMC is taking a major step toward building the systems and capacity needed to provide free to affordable treatment within Afghanistan itself.
Conclusion
The Afghan Medical Complex by Atta Welfare Foundation expresses heartfelt gratitude to the team at TSCS India for their generosity, guidance, and willingness to collaborate. This partnership is more than an agreement — it is a bridge of compassion between India and Afghanistan, built on a shared vision of dignity and care for every patient.As we move forward with the signing of an MoU, we are confident that this collaboration will bring meaningful change to the lives of Afghan thalassemia patients and their families.