Dr. Chandrakant Agarwal's Vision for a Thalassemia - Free India

Thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder, poses significant health challenges due to the body's inability to produce sufficient hemoglobin - the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.

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While the condition varies in severity, the most severe forms can lead to lifelong dependence on blood transfusions and other intensive treatments.

For Dr. Chandrakant Agarwal, the President of the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society (TSCS) in Hyderabad, this disorder represents not just a medical challenge but a call to action. His relentless efforts are driving a nationwide movement to create a "Thalassemia Mukt Bharat."

The Challenge of Thalassemia

Thalassemia comes in two main forms: alpha and beta thalassemia. While alpha thalassemia affects the alpha-globin genes, beta thalassemia impacts the beta-globin genes. The most severe forms, such as alpha thalassemia major and beta thalassemia major (Cooley's anemia), result in life-threatening complications that require regular blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy. Symptoms like fatigue, slow growth, bone deformities, and organ enlargement make this condition a significant burden for patients and their families.

Early Detection: The Key to Prevention