According to a report published by the National Health Mission in 2016, India has the largest number of children with Thalassemia major in the world – about 1 to 1.5 lakhs and almost 42 million carriers of ß (beta) thalassemia trait. About 10,000 -15,000 babies with thalassemia major are born every year. Even though India has the technical know-how, and means of treatment, the blood disorder often goes undetected due to lack of awareness, and screenings. On International Thalassemia Day, Dr. Balkrishna Padate, director and head of haematology, haemato-oncology and bone marrow transplantation at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, answers important questions to deepen our understanding.

What is thalassemia? Is it genetic?