By Admin 
Recently a very painful and shocking incident has come to light from Chaibasa Government Hospital in West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand. Here, HIV infected blood was given to innocent children suffering from thalassemia. This negligence has not only shaken the lives of the children and their families, but has also raised serious questions on the health system of the entire state.
According to the information, on September 13, seven children suffering from thalassemia were given infected blood. When the investigation report came on October 18, there was a stir in the health department as everyone was found to be HIV positive. Later in the investigation, 6 more children were also confirmed to be positive. After this accident, there is both anger and fear among the people, whereas now people are trying to know more about the disease like Thalassemia and are looking for ways to prevent this disease. In such a situation, let us tell you today what is Thalassemia and how it can be prevented.
What is Thalassemia?
Thalassemia is a genetic i.e. blood related disease passed from parents to children. In this disease the body is not able to make hemoglobin protein in the correct and complete quantity. Hemoglobin is found in red blood cells, which works to deliver oxygen to every part of our body. When hemoglobin is not produced enough, there is a lack of oxygen in the body, which causes conditions like fatigue, weakness and anemia.
Thalassemia patients often need frequent blood transfusions because their body is unable to produce enough red blood cells on its own. This is the reason why thalassemia sufferers have to undergo blood transfusion from time to time. However, if there is negligence in this process, as happened in Jharkhand, then the risk of transfusion of infected blood also increases.
Ways to prevent and treat Thalassemia
It is not possible to prevent thalassemia because it is a genetic disease, but it can be prevented with timely testing.
1. Genetic Counseling – If there are already thalassemia patients in a family, then definitely take genetic counseling before marriage or before planning a child. This test tells you what is the risk of your child getting this disease.
2. Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) – This technique is very beneficial for those people who have the risk of thalassemia in their genes. After embryos are created through IVF process, healthy embryos can be selected through this test so that the child can be protected from thalassemia.
3. Safe blood donation and blood test – Hospitals and blood banks should ensure that every blood unit is thoroughly tested for diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B and C. With this, incidents like transfusion of infected blood can be prevented.
4. Main tests for identification of Thalassemia – Blood tests, hemoglobin electrophoresis, genetic tests and prenatal testing. These tests tell which types of hemoglobin are present in the body and whether there are any abnormalities in them.
Read also From Salman Khan to Amitabh Bachchan, these Indian stars have struggled with such dangerous diseases.
Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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