Archive · 2 Aug 2025
Maharashtra Seeks National Inclusion for Thalassemia Patients
Maharashtra wants to help people with thalassemia, a blood disorder.
They're asking the central government to include thalassemia in the National Sickle Cell Disease Programme.
This would mean more support for patients, like free check-ups and treatments.
The state will also create a special committee to fight thalassemia.
A study showed that this disease is present in a small percentage of children in Mumbai.
Thalassemia is a big problem in India, and although bone marrow transplants can cure it, this procedure is hard to access.
Therefore, the government wants to help people through testing and treatments like blood transfusions and removing excess iron.
Maharashtra government plans to request the Union Health Ministry to include thalassemia in the National Sickle Cell Disease Programme.
The move aims to provide thalassemia patients with benefits similar to those for sickle cell patients, including free diagnosis, treatment, and awareness.
A state thalassemia eradication committee, headed by the Health Commissioner, will be formed to strengthen state-level response.
A study in Mumbai showed a 6.2% prevalence of thalassemia among pediatric patients.
India has the highest number of children with Thalassemia major globally; bone marrow transplantation is the only cure.
- Who
- The Maharashtra government and the Union Health Ministry.
- What
- Maharashtra is urging the Union Health Ministry to include thalassemia in the National Sickle Cell Disease Programme.
- When
- Announced early this week, with plans for the inclusion soon.
- Where
- Maharashtra, India.
- Why
- To extend benefits, structured support, and awareness for thalassemia patients, similar to those for sickle cell patients.
- Government
- Maharashtra
- Disease
- Thalassemia
- Programme
- National Sickle Cell Disease Programme
- Prevalence
- 6.2% among pediatric patients in Mumbai (2021-2022 study)
- Treatment
- Blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy