BeSHCON 2020 Open at Moulali Yubkendra

Satyajit Chakraborty khabor 24 : The word Haematology refers to different blood related diseases and its treatment. It primarily addresses Haemato-oncology (blood related cancer like Leukaemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma etc) and Benign Haematology (blood related diseases other than cancers like anaemia, Thalassaemia, Haemophilia, ITP etc.). Blood cells like Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells and Platelets are produced from bone marrow. Any disease related to these three kinds of cell falls under the discipline of Haematology. Certain blood related diseases (Thalasemia or Haemophilia) are mostly hereditary and there are other kinds of blood related diseases (Blood cancer, Aplastic Anaemia, ITP etc) that can develop over time.Bengal Society of Haematology (BSH) has organized its 5th Annual conference BeSHCON 2020 from 14th to 16th February to discuss different issues related to blood disorders. Apart from discussions around different scientific researches and developments made in the field of Haematology; this year we have introduced another initiative, Haem-Anjali as a part of the conference. Haem-Anjali has emerged from our need to engage in dialogues that will define newer contours of ethical and equitable medical services.Haematology – Breaking Boundaries, the theme for this conference has been planned with the objective of reducing distances between disciplines by initiating a dialogue between them on one hand and addressing the relationship between the doctor and patient on the other. This year we have a particular focus on blurring the rather strong line existing between doctor and patient. Successful treatment requires a relationship of trust between doctors and patients. Over the years we have almost put patients and doctors on two sides of the table, thereby reinforcing the inherent power imbalance. Haem-Anjali is an attempt to address this relationship; to draw new contours of this relationship by putting doctors & patients on one side of the table and the disease being treated on the other. Changing the lens of looking at and positioning doctor & patient is crucial because both doctors and patients are together in their fight against the disease and hence it is imperative that they should be on the same side. It requires doctors and patients to be linked in bonding of trust to successfully fight against these killer blood diseases. Our experience has repeatedly shown us that our relationship with our patients is the key to successful treatment.One becomes a doctor only when s/he treats patient; else s/he is a student of medical science or utmost a researcher in this field. Thus the identity of a doctor is inherently related to the patient and a doctor remains indebted to her/his patient for conferring upon her/him this identity. So as doctors we continue to acknowledge this indebtedness through our services. Unfortunately there are several situations that strain this relationship; we lose focus and thereby putting us on either sides of the table. Keeping this is mind; BeSHCON 2020 has introduced a section that will have discussions with patients along with other academic discussions. This is to remind ourselves that we, doctors and patients do not stand in opposition; we are together in a journey from disease to well being. It is a collective journey and this year we have invited patients, their families and organizations working with patients to be part of our conference. Haem-Anjali is our way of reclaiming relationships with patients to ensure that together we can fight haematological disorders by breaking boundaries. NJ Dr. Rajib De
Organizing Secretary
Haem-Anjali, BeSHCON 2020