
TSCS, Fernandez Hospital team up for prenatal testing
This initiative is part of TSCS's broader goal to eliminate births of children with Thalassemia Major and Sickle Cell Anaemia by 2035. The society's ongoing antenatal screening programme identifies carrier couples early in pregnancy. If both partners are carriers, there is a 25% risk in each pregnancy that their child will be affected. The new facility will allow for early prenatal diagnostic testing in such cases, enabling timely decisions for at-risk families, said a release.

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The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
Blood bank infra upgraded
The A.S. Raja Voluntary Blood Centre, Visakhapatnam, upgraded its infrastructure with three machines – the Thermofisher 16-bucket centrifuge (Germany), a modern blood collection monitor and the Archimede Automatic Component Extractor – to enhance efficiency and safety in blood processing, according to a release here on Saturday. The equipment was inaugurated by Nagesh Motamari (100-time blood donor), Rana Pratap (a regular donor who marked the occasion by donating blood), among others who promote voluntary blood donation. Established in 1995, the centre continued to play a key role in ensuring safe blood supply, supporting children with Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia, and advancing healthcare services in Visakhapatnam, the release added.


New Indian Express
15 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Food meets philanthropy at Akan
Staying true to tradition, each guest seated at the table was served on a banana leaf. The elaborate spread featured Gongura Pickle, Amla Pickle, Podi, Coconut Bhendi Fry, Potlakaya Curry, White Rice, Pulusu, Pappu, Vankaya Curry, Jackfruit Biryani, Bobbatlu, Carrot Sweet Rolls, Sitaphal Rabdi, and Curd Rice — a feast no one could resist. Adding to the charm of the day were painting and art stalls set up by the volunteers of Blood Warriors. Guests enjoyed activities like block printing on small bags and painting cartoon characters. Volunteers also took time to shed light on Thalassemia — its causes, risks, and how one could be a carrier — spreading crucial awareness about the disease. Speaking about the initiative, Nihal Reddy, owner of Akan, shared, 'Every year on August 15, we dedicate the day to a cause. This year, we chose to focus on Thalassemia. We serve traditional food as part of the fundraiser, and the proceeds go towards supporting the cause. I first learned about Thalassemia from Krishna, the founder of Blood Warriors, and later my wife, who is a doctor, explained it in detail. I realised that in India, many are prone to this disease, but awareness is low. That is why I wanted to focus on it this year. Compared to last year, we had more people participating, and I hope it continues to grow.'


Hans India
4 days ago
- Hans India
Sickle Cell elimination mission tackling genetic disorder to ensure equity, dignity: PMO
New Delhi: The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM) is aimed at tackling the genetic disorder to ensure equity and dignity to the people affected, the Prime Minister's Office said on Tuesday. In a post shared on the social media platform X, the PMO lauded a media article by Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on NSCAEM, aiming for a Sickle Cell Disease-free India by 2047. 'From tackling a genetic disorder to ensuring equity and dignity, India's National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission marks a new era in public health,' the PMO India posted on the social media platform X. Sickle Cell Disease is a chronic, single-gene disorder that causes a debilitating systemic syndrome characterised by chronic anaemia, acute painful episodes, organ infarction, and chronic organ damage, significantly reducing life expectancy. The genetic blood disorder affects the entire life of the patient, as it leads to various severe health complications. 'India's fight against sickle cell anaemia is not just about addressing a genetic disorder, it is a commitment to equity, dignity and the health of our nation's most marginalised communities,' Nadda shared on X. Calling NSCAEM a 'landmark initiative', the Union Health Minister said it not only aims 'to stop the transmission of sickle cell disease but also to restore dignity and health to millions living with this condition'. To eliminate the disease, the NSCAEM was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July 2023. The mission aims to eliminate sickle cell disease as a public health problem in India before 2047 by universal screening of 7 crore individuals aged 0-40 years in affected tribal areas by FY 2025-26. 'As India moves with determination towards the 2047 goal of eliminating SCD, the NSCAEM stands as a beacon of hope, showing what can be achieved when the government, healthcare professionals, and communities work together for a common cause,' Nadda said. Nadda's article highlighted the government's initiatives from mass screening and early diagnosis to awareness campaigns and improved treatment access with a focus on tribal communities most affected. Earlier this month, Nadda informed the Parliament that more than 6 crore people have been screened for sickle cell anaemia in the country. Of this, 2.16 lakh have been identified as diseased. He noted that the screenings under the mission were conducted in 17 states. Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in a post on X shared how its low-cost Point-of-Contact device is enabling wider screening of Sickle Cell patients. 'Validation of a low-cost PoC device for #SickleCellAnaemia screening cut the price from Rs 100 to Rs 28, enabling wider reach in tribal areas. Proud to contribute to advancing India's commitment to health equity,' the ICMR posted on X.