'Maharashtra Health Department To Intensify Thalassemia Screening And Awareness Drive Across State': Minister Meghana Sakore-Bordikar

Mumbai: Maharashtra Health Minister Meghana Sakore-Bordikar has ordered the health department to ramp up awareness, early screening and counseling initiatives to curb thalassemia, an inherited blood condition. The announcement came during a review meeting held at Arogya Bhavan to assess the 'Ek Paul Thalassemia Muktikade' (One Step Towards a Thalassemia-Free Future) campaign.

The campaign, which celebrated its first anniversary in May 2026, aimed to boost public participation and increase awareness about thalassemia prevention.

Sakore-Bordikar emphasized that thalassemia is a hereditary blood disorder, and effective prevention relies on awareness, timely screening, and proper counseling. The Public Health Department is urged to persistently disseminate information about the disorder to citizens, students, expectant mothers, and healthcare professionals, she said.

Noting that thalassemia minor individuals may not exhibit severe symptoms, she stressed the importance of premarital screening and counseling, especially as the risk of their child developing thalassemia rises when both partners have the condition.

Officials were directed to conduct thalassemia screenings, including HPLC/electrophoresis tests, blood donation drives, counseling for pregnant women, training for healthcare workers, and awareness programs in educational institutions. Sakore-Bordikar also called for screening and counseling of family members of thalassemia patients to ensure they receive appropriate medical guidance.

The minister stressed that widespread societal involvement is essential to mitigate thalassemia's impact via early diagnosis, suitable treatment, and preventive measures.