-Chandigarh, May 6, 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 2500 individuals, covering a distance of 5 kilometres in solidarity with the cause.
Mission 2035 is supported 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.
Supporting the Mission 2035, Mr. Jackie Shroff said: “Ending Thalassemia is not just a medical goal – it’s a moral imperative. Thalassemia major 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 the 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. Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, MD & CEO, Fortis Healthcare, said: “Mission 2035 is our commitment to preventive healthcare and a Thalassemia-free India. 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. Our Initiative is a critical step towards ensuring that no child in India is born with Thalassemia. With collective efforts, awareness and policy support, we can make this vision a reality. At Fortis, we believe healthcare is as much about prevention as it is about cure. With the launch of Mission 2035 today, we mark the beginning of a united effort, by healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities. Together, we can create a healthier, stronger India.”
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 Healthcare 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. Fortis’s approach to end thalassemia in India will be multi-faceted, focusing on prevention through awareness, early screening and treatment.
