0
0
Mumbai, August 3, 2025 – In a major move aimed at improving care for patients with blood disorders, the Maharashtra government will soon urge the Union Health Ministry to expand the scope of the National Sickle Cell Disease Programme to include thalassemia. This announcement was made earlier this week by Health Minister Prakash Abitkar at a review meeting held at the Directorate of Health Services in Mumbai.
Currently, only patients suffering from sickle cell disease receive support and benefits under the national programme, which aims at screening, managing, and preventing this hereditary blood disorder—especially in high-prevalence states such as Maharashtra. Minister Abitkar explained that including thalassemia, another serious inherited blood disorder, would help thousands of affected individuals access much-needed central government schemes, resources, and medical support.
During the meeting, Abitkar emphasized the importance of raising public awareness about thalassemia, advocating for premarital testing and comprehensive screening programmes for pregnant women and young adults. He recommended that a state-level committee be constituted with representatives from NGOs, the Red Cross Society, the Indian Medical Association, and medical experts to oversee thalassemia prevention and control efforts. He also suggested giving the committee a fixed timeline to initiate action.
The review covered strategies related to diagnosis, prevention, treatment, awareness campaigns, and funding for thalassemia for the upcoming financial year. Various social organizations shared their experiences, highlighting both the progress made and the challenges that remain.
Thalassemia patients in Maharashtra—as in much of Central and Western India—must often travel significant distances to specialized centers for life-saving transfusions and treatment, putting additional strain on families. The inclusion of thalassemia in the national programme would bring it under the same umbrella as sickle cell disease, aligning efforts to achieve better health outcomes for both conditions.
Disclaimer
This news article is based on recent public statements and official government communications. Final decisions regarding the inclusion of thalassemia in the National Sickle Cell Disease Programme rest with the Union Health Ministry and may be subject to further review. Information reported here is intended for news and informational purposes only and not as medical advice. For any health-related concerns, please consult with a qualified medical professional.
