Sickle cell patients in tribal parts of AP face blood transfusion crisis

Red Cross comes forward to extend services at CHCs, seeks necessary govt permissions

- K KALYAN KRISHNA KUMAR @Vijayawada

SICKLE cell anaemia and thalassemia remain major health concerns in the State, particularly among tribal communities. While thalassemia is caused by a defect in the beta-globin gene, controlling the production of the beta-globin chains of haemoglobin, sickle cell disease is caused by a defect in haemoglobin itself with the presence of abnormal haemoglobin S. Both of them are genetic blood disorders inherited from parents, leads to severe anaemia, requiring regular blood transfusions every three to four weeks.

Thalassemia cases are higher among children than adults. Children suffering from thalassemia often face significant health challenges, needing continuous medical care, frequent blood transfusions, and proper nutrition.

Given the state of its prevalence, the State government has included thalassemia treatment under the NTR Vaidya Seva (Arogyasri), offering free medication, financial assistance of ₹10,000 per month to affected patients.