Screening can curb thalassemia: Docs

Jaipur: Screening of couples planning to have a baby could help in the prevention of birth of babies with thalassemia, said doctors at the government-run JK Lon Hospital, where nearly 300 children with the genetic disease are registered. Doctors treating thalassemia have appealed to people to undergo screening before getting married.

Children affected with thalassemia need regular blood transfusions, at least twice a month,throughout their life. Lack of awareness about this disease remains a major impediment in its early diagnosis and prevention. JK Lon Hospital provides care and treatment to children with thalassemia. The hospital’s blood bank provides blood for transfusion to needy children.

Monday being World Thalassemia Day, children being treated for thalassemia at JK Lon Hospital will be taken to tourist places for sightseeing. The hospital authorities have taken permission from the government for this.

Dr Satendra Singh, assistant professor at JK Lon Hospital, said, “If both husband and wife have thalassemia minor, there are 25 per cent chances of the baby born having thalassemia major, which requires blood transfusion on a regular basis, If genetic abnormalities in the foetus are detected, the couple should opt for abortion.”