TSCS members urge Owaisi to help combat thalassemia

HYDERABAD: Members of the Thalassemia Sickle Cell and Society (TSCS) met with AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and highlighted their concerns about the prevalence of thalassemia in the state and the lack of awareness and resources available to combat the disease.

They spoke of the urgent need for the government to increase awareness, and provide access to treatment and screening and other measures to combat thalassemia.

The delegation led by society chief patron Naresh Rathi, Dr Chandrakant Agrawal, president; Dr Suman Jain, secretary & CEO; and joint secretary M.A. Aleem Baig discussed with Owaisi, the Hyderabad MP, measures to be taken for the eradication of thalassemia.

“Asaduddin Owaisi responded positively and expressed his commitment to supporting the eradication of thalassemia in Telangana. He acknowledged the gravity of the situation and promised to arrange a meeting with Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao to discuss the tabling of a Bill in the Assembly regarding the mandatory HbA2 test for pregnant women in their first trimester so that thalassemia is eradicated at the initial stages,” the society said.

The delegation said it had briefed Owaisi about the free services that the society extends to thalassemia patients. “The society has ensured 97 free bone marrow transplants. The government is supporting thalassemia patients under the Aarogyasri scheme and steps are being taken for eradication of this deadly genetic blood disorder,” they added.