30 July,2025 10:31 PM IST | Mumbai | Ritika Gondhalekar
Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar (above) held a review meeting at the Directorate of Health Services in Mumbai
Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar has said he will request the Union Health Minister to include Thalassemia in the National Sickle Cell Programme to help patients benefit from central government schemes, an official statement said on Wedesday.
Abitkar held a review meeting at the Directorate of Health Services in Mumbai during which he stated that the state will ask the Centre to include Thalassemia in the National Sickle Cell Programme.
The meeting focused on Thalassemia diagnosis, treatment, prevention, awareness, and funding for the 2025-26 financial year.
At present, only Sickle Cell Disease is part of the national health programme, which allows affected individuals to receive government support.
Abitkar stated that Thalassemia, like Sickle Cell, is a blood disorder, and its inclusion would ensure that Thalassemia patients can also receive help under central schemes.
He urged the public to undergo Thalassemia testing before marriage and recommended screening for pregnant women and college youth to detect the condition early.
To eliminate Thalassemia, the officials suggested forming a State-Level Committee under the Health Services Commissioner.
The committee should include representatives from NGOs, the Red Cross Society, Indian Medical Association, and expert doctors. He instructed that the committee be given a fixed timeline to begin its work.
During the meeting, various social organisations working on Thalassemia awareness and support across the state shared their experiences and progress. Senior officials including Dr. Kadambari Balkawade (Commissioner, Health Services), Dr. Sanjeev Jadhav, Dr. Purushottam Puri, and representatives from the Chief Minister's Office were present.
