RANGPUR, May 8, 2019 (BSS) – Health experts at a post rally discussion
today stressed on inspiring youths to conduct electrophoresis blood tests
before getting married to prevent the genetically inherited disease of
thalassemia to unborn babies.
They made the observation at the discussion arranged by Rangpur Mother and
Children Hospital (RMCH) at its conference room here in observance of the
World Thalassemia Day-2019.
Earlier, the RMCH brought out a huge colourful rally, participated by
physicians, health officials and nurses of different government and private
sector hospitals from Town Hall premises on the city streets.
With Chairman of RMCH Professor Dr MA Wahed in the chair, Associate Prof of
Rangpur Prime Medical College and Hospital Dr Ferdous Rahman addressed the
discussion as the main resource person.
Dr Wahed said thalassemia is an autosomal recessive blood disorder which
gets inherited from parents to children through genes to cause destruction of
red blood cells affecting formation of hemoglobin in human body to cause
anemia.
“Seven percent people in Bangladesh are suffering from thalassemia and 40-
lakh children are affected by the disease. Every year, 10 to 12 thousand
babies are being born in the country with thalassemia disease that has no
effective treatment,” he said.
Dr Rahman said thalassemia causes complications like bone deformities, iron
overload, cardiovascular illnesses, heart palpitations, enlarged liver,
jaundice, enlarged spleen, enlarged bones of cheeks or forehead and delayed
puberty.
He put special importance on enhancing public awareness about the disease,
inspiring both male and female youths in conducting electrophoresis blood
tests before getting married to prevent the genetically inherited thalassemia
disease.
“There is no alternative to giving blood to the thalassemia patients. So,
there is no alternative to take precautionary measures to avoid its
transmission of thalassemia to unborn babies,” Dr Rahman added.