Extract from news report published in Times Of India

The Union health ministry has finally turned its focus on genetic blood disorders like sickle cell anemia, thalassemia and haemophilia. India will soon roll out a national programme to prevent and manage hereditary blood disorders (HBDs).

Coming as a boon to those suffering from thalassemia, before they pass it on their newborns, a screening programme has been given a nod for Chandigarh, Ludhiana and Delhi. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has set a task force for the city.

The two-day National science film festival , Rastriya Vigyan Chalchitra Mela , as a part of the 99th Indian Science Congress was held at Orissa between 3 and 7 January 2012. Films from across the country in the categories of documentary on science, health, education, awareness and animation were screened.

A resident of Panchkula, Sukhsohit Singh, cleared the Civil Services Examination in 2008. But, he is a student with a difference. He battled many odds and is the first thalassaemia patient to have cleared the civil services examination. He was pursuing his PhD from Panjab University. For the civil services examination, he had opted for public administration and sociology as optional subjects.

A group of people suffering from thalassemia staged a play on 4 January 2012 @ Delhi. Titled ‘Parda Utane Se Pehle’, the play is a comedy that has also been directed by a thalassemia patient.

“Thalassemia has affected our life, but not our spirit of living. Our life is as normal as an ordinary person has, the only difference is that we have to go through blood transfusion after every 20-25 days. The only thing that hurts is, we do not have better job opportunities as being thalassemic, we are declared medically unfit for jobs,” said Aruna Chabra, a performer.