A comparative sociological examination of the challenges faced by Thalassaemia patients at PGIMS, Rohtak, and PGIMER, Chandigarh.

Abstract

The Presented research paper outlines the causes, symptoms, and social challenges faced by individuals with Thalassaemia, a genetic disorder prevalent in regions such as Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent, South East Asia, Melanesia, and the Pacific Islands. Approximately 3% of the global population are beta-thalassaemia carriers, with India having the highest number of carriers. Alarming statistics show that one in every 30 children is born with the Thalassaemia trait/mutated gene, posing a significant risk of the gene being passed on to the next generation. About 20% of the world's population is affected by alpha and beta Thalassaemia, with India bearing a heavy burden of 40 million Thalassaemia patients, including 1 lakh Thalassaemia major patients requiring regular blood transfusions. Tragically, approximately 3000 children aged 10 to 20 years die annually due to undiagnosed iron overload. Prenatal chorionic villus sampling during the 11-13th week of pregnancy offers a means to prevent the birth of affected children.