A 38-year-old woman from rural Maharashtra presents with a 6-month history of progressive fatigue, dyspnea on exertion, and palpitations. On examination, she is pale with a heart rate of 102/min. Laboratory findings: Hb 7.2 g/dL, MCV 62 fL, MCH 18 pg, serum iron 28 µg/dL (normal 60–170), ferritin 8 ng/mL (normal 12–200), TIBC 420 µg/dL (normal 250–425). Peripheral blood smear shows microcytic hypochromic RBCs with target cells. What is the most appropriate next step in management?