New Delhi, April 24, 2025: Thalassemia Patients Advocacy Group (TPAG) extends its heartfelt appreciation to Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) and the Department of Immunohematology & Blood Transfusion for their progressive step towards enhancing blood safety through the inauguration of a Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) Laboratory.
The NAT Lab was iugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, in the esteemed presence of Dr. Sunita Sharma, Additional DGHS. This state-of-the-art facility marks a critical step forward in safeguarding patients against transfusion-transmitted infections.
Anubha Taneja Mukherjee, Member Secretary, TPAG, who attended the inauguration, lauded LHMC for setting a benchmark in ensuring safer blood transfusion practices. “This is a commendable initiative. We urge all hospitals and blood banks across the country to take a cue from LHMC and mandate Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) to ensure the highest level of blood safety, especially for patients who are dependent on regular transfusions,” she stated.
This milestone follows TPAG’s recent endorsement of the Maharashtra Government’s bold move towards a ‘Thalassemia Mukt Maharashtra’, a pioneering step in the direction of prevention and early identification. TPAG strongly advocates for a national mandate on safe blood practices and urges the Government to:
- Mandate NAT-based testing in all blood banks nationwide to eliminate the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections.
- Integrate thalassemia screening into national and state-level health programs, including premarital health check-ups, to identify carriers early and prevent disease transmission.
- Include thalassemia management under Ayushman Bharat and PM-JAY to ensure accessible, cost-effective, and lifelong care for all thalassemia patients in India.
With over 10,000 children born with thalassemia every year, TPAG reiterates that urgent, sustained policy action on safe blood, early screening, and comprehensive care is essential to realize the vision of a ‘Thalassemia-Free India’.