15.5 lakh people in Gujarat have undergone thalassaemia tests
Ahmedabad: On the occasion of World Thalassaemia Day , which is being observed on Thursday, the state govt said on Wednesday that Gujarat has become a role model for other states in the fight against thalassaemia. The state govt said that until now, 15.5 lakh persons in the state underwent thalassaemiatests.Thalassaemia is a genetic disorder where the body fails to produce sufficient haemoglobin. In individuals with thalassaemia, the bone marrow fails to convert iron into haemoglobin, resulting in insufficient oxygen supply to other organs, reducing their efficiency. This leads to various complications and diseases due to weakened organs.Stating that Gujarat has become a role model for other states in attempts to eradicate thalassaemia, an official statement said that free thalassaemia tests are provided for pregnant women in all govt hospitals. The state govt has implemented a three-tier screening mechanism to detect patients with thalassaemia."Annually, an average of 18,517 people are tested, with over 15.5 lakh persons tested for thalassaemia so far. Organisations like the Red Cross Society, Thalassaemia Awareness Foundation, and Thalassaemic Gujarat are doing commendable work in raising awareness," the statement said.Quoting Anil Khatri, chairman of the Haemoglobinopathies Committee of the Indian Red Cross Society, Gujarat branch, the statement said that apart from bone marrow transplants, there is no permanent cure for thalassaemia major. "To eradicate thalassaemia, individuals should undergo testing for thalassaemia minor before marriage or pregnancy. If positive, marrying another carrier should be avoided," the statement said, quoting Khatri.Thalassaemia patients require approximately 15 to 60 units of blood annually. It is crucial they receive pure and adequate blood. Increased blood donations ensure a steady supply for thalassaemia patients, the statement said, urging citizens to donate blood regularly.
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