The Union government will soon launch a national mission to tackle thalassemia — beginning with a country-wide screening exercise, wherever required. This will be modelled on the screening programme for sickle-cell disease, currently under way.
Thalassemia, like sickle-cell disease, is a genetically transmitted blood disorder, with doctors around the country reporting around 10,000-12,000 children born with the disease every year. Government officials say that the exact numbers from each State have not yet been collected.
Also read | World Thalassemia Day: An invisible disability that is lacking acceptance
