- Lack of awareness is a big obstacle in prevention of Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia, he said
- Mr Naidu inaugurated a few facilities in Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society bldg in Hyd
IndiGlobal Bureau
Stressing the need to address the shortage of trained human resources in healthcare on war footing, Vice-president M Venkaiah Naidu suggested making rural service mandatory for young doctors before getting admission into PG courses. Country has seen considerable improvement in various health indices since independence, the V-P, said, pointing out that still there are challenges in ensuring quality and affordable healthcare for all. Scaling up e-Health initiatives in rural areas using digital tools is another cost effective method for making healthcare accessible to all, he added.
Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated a few facilities at Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society (TSCS) premises in Shivarampally in Hyderabad including a 2nd Blood Transfusion Unit, two Auditoriums, a Research Laboratory, an Advanced Diagnostic Laboratory and on Thursday.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice President highlighted the importance of preventive measures to address the huge burden of genetic diseases like Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia in the country.
Mr Naidu urged the private sector and NGOs to complement the government’s efforts in combating genetic diseases. He called for a comprehensive approach to address the health challenge of Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia as bone marrow transplantation or regular blood transfusion are cost intensive.
Mentioning that around 10-15 thousand babies are born every year with Thalassemia in India, the Vice President said that lack of awareness on these genetic diseases is a major 
impediment in their prevention and early diagnosis. Therefore, he urged all stakeholders – doctors, teachers, public figures, community leaders and media – to spread awareness on Thalassemia and Sickle Cell disease. Complimenting TSCS for providing free treatment to patients suffering from these genetic diseases, the Vice-president wanted the private sector to set up more diagnosis and treatment facilities, especially in tier two and three cities and rural areas.
Mr Chandrakant Agrawal, President, Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society, Mrs. Ratnavali K., Vice President, TSCS, Dr. Suman Jain, Chief Medical Research Officer and Secretary, TSCS, Ms. Azra Fathima, Clinic Psychologist, TSCS, Society donors, doctors etc attended the event.
