TPAG seeks mandate for Safe Blood for surviving thalassemics, applauds MH Govt’s initiative ‘Thalassemia Mukt Maharashtra’

Thalassemia Patients Advocacy Group (TPAG) commends the Government of Maharashtra for taking a decisive step towards the prevention and effective management of thalassemia. The state’s Health Minister, Meghna Sakore Bordikar, has directed officials to develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for a Thalassemia Mukt Maharashtra—a long-awaited initiative that places public health at the forefront of policy action. 

India bears the unfortunate distinction of being the thalassemia capital of the world, with over 1.5 lakh patients and 7,000–8,000 new births annually. In Maharashtra alone, there are an estimated 12,000 thalassemia patients, highlighting the urgent need for targeted intervention to break the intergenerational transmission cycle.

This move by the Maharashtra government includes plans for comprehensive screening, counselling, and training of healthcare professionals, ensuring that both prevention and patient care are given due focus.

Anubha Taneja Mukherjee, Member Secretary, TPAG, stated, “We stand ready to extend all necessary support to ensure this initiative’s success. Maharashtra is setting an example, and other states must follow. The rising burden of thalassemia demands a national mission—Thalassemia Bharat Mukt Abhiyan. It is a national imperative. If we truly envision a Viksit Bharat, we must ensure India is no longer known as the thalassemia capital of the world. At the same time, I would urge the Honourable Minister to take steps for Safe Blood as well by mandating NAT in Maharashtra. ”

To support the state’s efforts, TPAG recommends the following strategic actions:

TPAG’s key recommendations to the Government of Maharashtra:

1. Mandatory NAT testing for blood transfusions
   Ensure maximum blood safety by mandating Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) across all blood banks to prevent transfusion-transmitted infections.
2. Universal screening for carrier detection
   Integrate thalassemia screening into national and state-level health programs, including premarital health checks, to identify and inform carriers early.
3. Gene therapy and bone marrow transplant support
   Expand access to curative treatments through increased funding, research infrastructure, and public-private partnerships.
4. Accessible and affordable care
   Incorporate thalassemia management under Ayushman Bharat and PM-JAY to ensure cost-effective, lifelong care for all patients.
5. Guaranteed access to essential medicines
   Ensure uninterrupted availability of vital medicines through public health systems and pharmacies.

TPAG is committed to supporting the Maharashtra Government in this bold and much-needed initiative. Together, we can build a healthier, stronger India—free from the shadow of thalassemia.