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As of July 2025, India has registered 4,361 thalassemia patients nationwide, with a significant proportion—2,579—being children under the age of 12. These figures were reported on the national Sickle Cell Portal, which incorporated a dedicated thalassemia module in 2023 to streamline record-keeping and support ongoing surveillance, monitoring, and follow-up for patients battling the inherited blood disorder.
Efforts to address thalassemia are collaborative, involving both state and central government bodies. While the primary responsibility for patient management and awareness campaigns rests with individual State and Union Territory governments, additional support is provided under the National Health Mission (NHM). This support extends to strengthening public healthcare systems with improved blood bank facilities, day care centers, availability of medicines, laboratory services, information and education campaigns, and specialized training for healthcare workers, as per the respective states’ and UTs’ program plans.
In a significant financial support initiative, the Union Health Ministry, alongside Coal India Limited (CIL), continues to implement the Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana (TBSY). Under this scheme, eligible patients can receive up to ₹10 lakh for bone marrow transplants—the only definitive cure for thalassemia—using funds drawn from CIL’s Corporate Social Responsibility resources. Currently, bone marrow transplants under TBSY are facilitated at 17 empanelled hospitals nationwide.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel, shared these updates in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting thalassemia patients and their families.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on government data and official releases as of July 2025. Patient figures and scheme details are subject to change following future audits or updates by relevant authorities. Readers are advised to contact their local health departments for the most current information and eligibility criteria.
