- Context (TH): Thalassaemia patient groups welcomed the National Blood Transfusion Bill, 2025, introduced in Parliament.
- The Bill proposes a National Blood Transfusion Authority to enforce uniform statutory blood management standards, to consolidate the fragmented regulation framework.
| Blood regulation in India currently operates under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940; the National Blood Transfusion Council, created by a Supreme Court directive, issues non-statutory guidelines. |
About Thalassaemia
- Thalassemia is an inherited genetic blood disorder in which defective haemoglobin production leads to chronic anaemia.
- Types: There are two main types based on the haemoglobin protein affected.
- Alpha thalassaemia: Insufficient production of the Alpha globin chain of haemoglobin; disease severity increases as more genes are affected.
- Beta thalassaemia: Insufficient production of the Beta globin chain; one affected gene causes beta-thalassaemia minor (mild), while two affected genes cause beta-thalassaemia major (severe).
| Globin chains are the protein building blocks of haemoglobin that enable red blood cells (RBCs) to carry oxygen throughout the body. |
- Treatment: Severe cases need regular blood transfusions coupled with Iron Chelation Therapy; a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) or Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) is the only cure.
- India’s Burden: India accounts for about 25% of the global beta-thalassaemia burden; it affects around 3–4% of the population.
| Govt Initiatives for Thalassemia ControlThalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana: A Coal India Limited CSR initiative providing up to ₹10 lakh for bone marrow transplants of underprivileged children with thalassaemia major or aplastic anaemia.NHM Support: The National Health Mission supports states with blood banks, transfusion day-care centres, free blood products, iron chelation drugs, diagnostics, and trained healthcare personnel.National Guidelines 2016: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued guidelines for the prevention and control of haemoglobinopathies, including thalassaemia.e-RaktKosh Platform: A national digital platform linking licensed blood banks to provide real-time blood availability for patients needing regular transfusions.Legal Recognition: Thalassaemia is recognised as a disability under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD Act), 2016, enabling access to welfare benefits. |
