State PCS - West Bengal (WBCS)

• 13 May 2025

Thalassemia Burden in West Bengal

Why in News? 

On World Thalassemia Day, West Bengal experts expressed concern over the State’s high Thalassemia prevalence, which exceeds the national average. 

Key Points 

• World Thalassemia Day: 
  • It is observed every year on 8th May as a global effort for prevention, awareness and early diagnosis for inherited blood disorder disease Thalassemia. 
  • The theme for 2025 is "Together for Thalassemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritizing Patients". 
• National Burden and High-Risk Communities: 
  • According to the 2016 National Health Mission report, 10,000 to 15,000 babies with Thalassemia Major are born annually in India. 
  • Communities with higher carrier rates include Bengalis, Sindhis, Punjabis, and Gujaratis. 
• Alarming Prevalence in West Bengal: 
  • According to the West Bengal Health Department, 6% to 10% of the State’s population carries the disease, compared to the national average of 3% to 4% (2011 Census data). 
  • West Bengal’s Thalassemia burden is worsened by: 
    • Low public awareness 
    • Intra-community marriages 
    • Insufficient early screening 
  • The State has over 18,000 transfusion-dependent patients and a 2.5% patient positivity rate, as per the State Health Department. 
  • State Efforts:  
    • West Bengal has established 36 Thalassemia Control Units (TCUs) across districts. 
    • These TCUs focus on first-trimester pregnancy screening and screening among adolescents to prevent future transmission. 
  • Legal and Social Challenges: 
    • There is no national law preventing marriages between Thalassemia carriers. 
    • Health officials identify intra-community marriages as a key social challenge and emphasize early screening and awareness to prevent Thalassemia in children. 

 

• The Importance of Parental Screening: 
  • Experts recommend pre-marital or pre-conception screening for both partners to prevent the condition. 
  • Without regular care and transfusions, life expectancy may not exceed 30 years for Thalassemia patients. 
  • Early detection, informed parenting, and ongoing care can significantly improve quality of life and outcomes.