Urgent need for ‘Thalassemia Bharat Mukt Abhiyan’: Thalassemia Group to Health Minster

In a letter to Union health minister JP Nadda, the Thalassemia Patients Advocacy Group (TPAG) has asked for urgent need of Thalassemia Bharat Mukt Abhiyan’.

Highlighting that increased allocation across key healthcare programs, including an 11% rise for the Department of Health & Family Welfare and a 15% increase for the Department of Health Research, are commendable steps toward a more robust and inclusive healthcare system, India must confront an alarming reality that the country remains the thalassemia capital of the world.

Despite advancements in medical infrastructure and policy, thalassemia continues to be a silent crisis that demands immediate and focused policy intervention. We welcome the 79% increase in funding for blood transfusion services under the National AIDS and STD Control Programme, yet without the implementation of mandatory Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) for blood screening, transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients remain at risk of contracting life-threatening infections such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV.

“Thalassemia Bharat Mukt Abhiyan – A National Imperative The rising burden of thalassemia necessitates a dedicated national mission—should focus on – Mandatory NAT Testing for Blood Transfusions Ensuring the highest standards of blood safety by implementing NAT across all blood banks to eliminate the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections, said the letter.

The letter also highlighted that universal Screening for Carrier Detection Integrating thalassemia screening into national health programs and premarital health check-ups to curb the spread of this genetic disorder. Gene Therapy and Bone Marrow Transplant Support Increasing funding and medical infrastructure for curative treatments to offer long[1]term solutions to patients. 4. Accessible and Affordable Care Ensuring lifelong, cost-effective treatment for thalassemia patients by incorporating its management under Ayushman Bharat and PM-JAY

Strengthening the Blood Ecosystem Beyond increased budgetary allocations, a dedicated Thalassemia Blood Transfusion and Management Programme is essential to enhance the availability and quality of care, the group has demanded.