National, 23rd June 2023: Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Society (TSCS – Hyderabad), the biggest society in the world – serving for Thalassemia Patients, submitted a compelling letter to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) & Ministry of Health – Govt.of India requesting to pass a Bill in Parliament or Government Order for the mandatory implementation of the HbA2 test in all hospitals nationwide for pregnant women. TSCS Hyderabad aims to collaborate with the government to eradicate Thalassemia and ensure a healthier future for the nation.
In their letter to the PMO, Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Society stressed the importance of the HbA2 test, which is a reliable method for identifying carriers of thalassemia and distinguishing between different types of thalassemia. By making this test mandatory for pregnant women, the society believes that early detection of thalassemia carriers can lead to informed decisions and appropriate measures to prevent the birth of children with severe thalassemia.
Dr. Chandrakant Agarwal, President – Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Society, expressed his optimism regarding the potential impact of the proposed initiative. He stated, “On behalf of TSCS Hyderabad, I would like to thank PMO Office, Ministry of Health-GOI for positively responding to our representation on Thalassemia. By implementing the HbA2 test as a mandatory screening tool for pregnant women, we can identify carriers early on and provide them with the necessary guidance and support. This step will not only prevent the suffering of individuals affected by thalassemia but also contribute significantly to our vision of making India a thalassemia-free nation. And we hope the government of India would also help us in making India, Thalassemia free“.
The society’s letter to the PMO emphasizes the urgent need for concerted efforts, and the allocation of resources to tackle thalassemia effectively. With the govt’s support & encouragement working towards achieving Thalassemia Free India seems a near possibility. The Public-Private (NGO) Partnership (PPP) will help the society to move ahead in creating awareness and reducing the births of Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia Children.
The Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Society has been actively involved in raising awareness, providing support to patients and their families, and advocating for improved policies and healthcare infrastructure to combat thalassemia and sickle cell disease. In this context, TSCS Hyderabad has organized a National Conference on Prevention of Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia last year with around 38 NGO’s from across India. Shri Venkaiah Naidu, Hon’ble Vice President of India also inaugurated a Blood Transfusion Unit and Advanced Diagnostic Lab at Thalassemia Sickle Cell Society (TSCS) a few months back. TSCS has also made the Mahaboobnagar of Telangana, completely Thalassemia free as a part of their pilot project. Also, TSCS has made a few PHC’s Thalassemia free. TSCS Hyderabad’s dedication and expertise make them a valuable partner in the government’s mission to create a healthier future for all citizens.
