Two years ago, the department had decided to rope in universities to facilitate the screening with the help of the Indian Read Cross Society (IRCS)’s state branch. But it found little success in the initiative to detect Thalassaemia-Minor cases that are otherwise undetected in the absence of any symptoms.

“The programme was launched two years ago under the umbrella Thalassemia Prevention Programme of the government and is to be implemented with the help of the IRCS. The idea was to rope in universities and colleges to facilitate the screening, but apart from one or two universities, none have taken it seriously.

The detection of Thalassaemia Minor, which otherwise does not interfere in the normal lifestyle, is necessary because if detected it can prevent the offspring being born with Thalassemia Major. When two individuals with Thalassaemia Minor marry there is a 25 per cent chance that their child will be born with Thalassemia Major. Therefore, two individuals with Thalassaemia Minor should not marry. This is the easiest ways to reduce the number of new cases.”

While the programme had failed miserably past two years, General Secretary of IRCS Dr. Madhuben Naik said: “A total of five universities were roped in for the programme but owing to lack of interest, it remained a failure. Even when we visited the universities and persuaded them, the initiative to forward the letter to the affiliated colleges had to be taken by the universities itself. Infact, with the present directive issued in February, we have taken the initiative to visit individual colleges affiliated to the Gujarat University apart from meeting Vice-Chancellors of each university, even if we do not have the power to direct them. We are an autonomous body that facilitates the health department. We cannot direct.”

The Thalassemia Prevention Program in Gujarat was launched in five years ago.