MRPL distributes natural protein bars to children with thalassemia, sickle cell disease

For the second consecutive year, Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) distributed natural protein bars to 100 children affected by thalassemia and sickle-cell anaemia at the Government Wenlock Hospital in Mangaluru on Wednesday.

Distribution of natural protein bars, which contain almond and coconut, was part of activities under Swachhata Pakhwada 2025.

Senior specialist and head of Wenlock Hospital’s Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion department, Sharath Kumar, said that the consumption of natural protein bars provides much-needed nutritional support to boost the health of these children. The quantity of natural bars given by MRPL covers the needs of each child for a period of six months, Dr. Kumar told The Hindu.

Six months ago, MRPL gave each child a bag containing 15 kgs of grains, he said.

MRPL General Manager Prashanth Baliga, Wenlock Hospital Superintendent D.S. Shivaprakash, Wenlock Hospital Resident Medical Officer Sudhakar and Dr. Kumar were among those who distributed natural protein bars to children on Wednesday.