Timely detection and Prevention key to tackle Thalassemia: Health Secretary

New Delhi: Timely detection and prevention at the right time can curtail the disease burden of thalassemia, said Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra on the occasion of International Thalassemia Day.

Speaking at an event organised by the Union Health Ministry he said, “Timely detection and prevention are the most effective strategies to tackle Thalassemia and only by preventing it at the right time, can the burden of this disease be curtailed”

“There are almost one lakh Thalassemia patients in the country, with approximately 10,000 new cases reported each year.” Chandra added.

Highlighting the critical need for wide awareness around the subject, he said,“Still many people are unaware of this disease and how this can be prevented. It is imperative that all stakeholders in this arena collaborate for a nationwide campaign to enhance awareness on Thalassemia".

Dealing with the lack of awareness around the subject he launched a video made in collaboration with the Indian Association of Pediatrics (IAP) and Thalassemics India to promote effective prevention methods and optimal treatment for Thalassemia.

In a bid to deal with the disorder in early ages the health secretary advocated for inclusion of compulsory Thalassemia testing in the existing reproductive and child health (RCH) programs under NHM (National Health Mission). He added that some states have included this in their public health programs and activities; other states will be urged to include and expand screening and testing for Thalassemia.

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that causes a body to have less hemoglobin than normal.