International Thalassemia Day: Health Secretary Apurva Chandra stresses on timely detection and prevention for Thalassemia
"By integrating compulsory Thalassemia testing into RCH program, burden of
Thalassemia can be significantly alleviated"
Emphasizes on critical need for wide awareness on Thalassemia among the masses;
launches an awareness video
Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare stressed on the importance of timely detection and prevention of
Thalassemia to tackle the disease. He stated that only by preventing it at the
right time, can the burden of this disease be curtailed. The Union Health
Secretary was speaking at an event to mark the International Thalassemia Day,
here today.
Speaking on
the occasion, the Union Health Secretary stated, “Timely detection and
prevention are the most effective strategies to tackle Thalassemia.” He added
that there are almost 1 lakh Thalassemia patients in the country, with
approximately 10,000 new cases reported each year. He emphasized on the urgency
for proactive intervention aided by timely detection through screening.
Apurva Chandra also highlighted the critical need for
wide awareness around the subject. He stated that “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”. As a significant step in this direction, he launched
a video made in collaboration with the Indian Association of Paediatrics and
Thalassemics India to promote effective prevention methods and optimal
treatment for Thalassemia (https://youtu.be/H__bidXcanE?si=-_87PEPxAdsPNaw1).
Union Health
Secretary also advocated for inclusion of compulsory Thalassemia testing in the
existing reproductive and child health (RCH) programs under NHM as a means to
curtail the prevalence of the disease. 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 haemoglobin than
normal. Celebrated every year, International Thalassemia Day serves as a
crucial platform to emphasize the importance of disease prevention, raise
awareness, sensitize stakeholders, promote early detection, and ensure quality
care for those affected by thalassemia. This year's theme, "Empowering
Lives, Embracing Progress: Equitable and Accessible Thalassemia Treatment for
All," encapsulates the collective mission toward universal access to
comprehensive Thalassemia care.