Thalassemia Testing Centre at H Patel College of Engineering and Technology

To spread the awareness about the disease Thalassemia, G H Patel College of Engineering and Technology organized a Thalassemia Testing and Awareness Programme on September 18, 2013.

There are roughly 6 crore people in India who carry the Thalassemia trait. Since the trait doesn't impact them directly, most of them are unaware of this. However if two people carrying the Thalassemia trait get married, there is a 25% chance that their children will have the dangerous Thalassemia Major disease.

Children affected by Thalassemia seldom live beyond 40. Their lives are continuously dependent on blood transfusions and medication. Permanent cures like stem cell transplants are very expensive and also very risky.

Testing centre was set up at engineering branch of the College on scheduled date. This was for students and faculty only where Thalassemia testing was done with minimal charges.

Charges for the testing:

It was a good initiative to spread awareness about the disease. Thalassemia can cause significant complications, including iron overload, bone deformities and cardiovascular illness. It is advised that people getting married should take a simple blood test and ensure that both the partners are not carrying the Thalassemia trait.

Source: Parsana Tejaskumar s, click4college Specialist