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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : October 7, 2014 6:10 PM IST
The health ministry launched a new kit for detecting Thalassemia, in order to meet the need for affordable and sensitive testing options for affected children. People with Thalassemia make less haemoglobin and fewer circulating red blood cells than normal, which results in mild or severe anaemia.
The new kit was launched by Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, simplifies the identification of common mutations leading to the disease. The kit has been developed by scientists of the National Institute of Immunohaematology and the Indian Council for Medical Research and is now being manufactured domestically. (Read: Thalassemia understanding the disease) Since the cost of production of this kit is low it will be cost effective when marketed, Azad said.
What is Thalassemia?
Thalassemia Major is an inherited blood disorder in which the affected children are unable to maintain Hemoglobin (Hb) in the normal range. Their bone marrow cannot form sufficient red cells and red cell survival is also reduced.
The situation in India:
It is estimated that about 3.4% of our population is carrier of thalassemia (or suffering from minor thalassemia). Every year 7000-10,000 children with Thalassemia Major are born in India. It is more prevalent in communities like Sindhis, Punjabis, Gujaratis, Marwaris, Bengalis, Saraswats, Gaurs etc.
How is Thalassemia caused?
Thalassemia is of two types: Minor and Major
With inputs from IANS
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