Establishing an HSCT Program with Limited Resources

Abstract

Despite the positive impact of establishing a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) program on the enhancement of tertiary care health services in developing countries, such a program has to compete with other basic healthcare service priorities for the allocation of funds. While working on establishing an HSCT program in a developing country, one should take into consideration several problematic issues, the main ones being financial, logistic, and social difficulties, and the availability of skilled personnel. Such programs should focus on building up local experience; selecting cost-effective practices; and providing good patient selection, continuous staff training, and inter-country cooperation, as well as twinning with other institutions in developed countries. Increasing public awareness of and patient education about essential hygiene measures and infection-control measures, and providing social services to enhance patient and family compliance are important additional factors to consider while planning for a successful HSCT program in developing countries.