World Thalassaemia Day: Why India Must Shift From Horoscope Matching To Genetic Screening

Every year on May 8, World Thalassaemia Day draws attention to a silent crisis affecting thousands of Indian families: the burden of thalassaemia, a preventable but often neglected inherited blood disorder. Despite advances in medical science and curative options, India continues to report more than 10,000 thalassaemia births annually. Experts argue that with proper genetic awareness and screening, many of these cases could be prevented entirely — and it's time the nation heeds that call.

Dr. Moushumi Suryavanshi, Senior Consultant & Head of Molecular Biology and Cytogenetics at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, is among the voices advocating for change. In a compelling statement, she emphasises: “As a nation, we must urgently shift our focus from horoscope matching to genetic compatibility before marriage.”

Thalassaemia: A Genetic Time Bomb

Thalassaemia is an inherited blood disorder where the body fails to produce adequate haemoglobin, leading to severe anaemia and complications. Children born with thalassaemia major require lifelong blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy, and constant medical supervision. Despite treatment, the condition significantly reduces quality of life and poses a lifelong emotional and financial burden.

The disorder is passed on when both parents are carriers of the thalassaemia trait — commonly referred to as "thalassaemia minor". While carriers are typically asymptomatic, when two such individuals marry, there as a 25% chance with every pregnancy that the child may inherit the disorder in its major form.

Dr Suryavanshi warns: “If both partners are silent carriers of the thalassaemia trait, there is a 25% chance in every pregnancy that the child may be born with thalassaemia major — a lifelong condition requiring regular blood transfusions, iron chelation, and complex medical management.”

The Numbers Paint A Grim Picture

India has one of the largest burdens of thalassaemia globally. Approximately 3-4% of the general population are carriers. In regions like Gujarat, Punjab, West Bengal, and parts of the Northeast, the carrier rate can be as high as 8-10%. Cultural factors, endogamy (marrying within a community), and lack of routine genetic screening contribute to the high incidence.

Many couples, unaware of their carrier status, only discover the truth after giving birth to an affected child. At that point, treatment becomes the only option — and it’s often unaffordable or inaccessible.

Prevention Over Cure

While stem cell and bone marrow transplants offer a potential cure, they come with significant limitations: the need for a matched donor, high costs, and limited availability in public hospitals. “Curative options like bone marrow transplantation do exist, but they are expensive, donor-dependent, and not universally accessible,” says Dr Suryavanshi.

This makes prevention through screening the most pragmatic public health strategy.

Don’t Skip This Test Before The Wedding Vows 

A simple blood test — Haemoglobin Electrophoresis or HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) — can determine carrier status. These tests are widely available and affordable, yet they are not part of routine premarital or antenatal health check-ups in most parts of India.

Dr Suryavanshi also advocates for policy reform: “A simple and affordable screening test can easily identify carrier status and should be made a routine part of premarital and antenatal screening protocols.”

Learning From Global Models

Countries like Cyprus, Iran, and Italy have successfully implemented national thalassaemia prevention programmes by mandating genetic testing before marriage or conception. As a result, Cyprus has nearly eradicated new cases of thalassaemia major.

India, despite having the tools and infrastructure, lacks a unified national screening policy. While some states and institutions offer optional tests, awareness remains abysmally low, especially in rural and semi-urban populations.

The road ahead, experts say, must focus on policy-level change, community engagement, and awareness campaigns that destigmatize genetic screening and highlight its life-saving potential.

From Stars To Science

For generations, horoscope matching has been a deeply embedded part of Indian matrimonial tradition. However, with the growing incidence of genetically inherited disorders, many experts believe it’s time for a shift in cultural priorities.

Dr Suryavanshi puts it plainly: “Preventing thalassaemia is not only possible — it is imperative.” Her call to prioritise genetic compatibility over astrological charts is a wake-up call for young Indians, parents, and policymakers alike.

Genetic counseling and premarital screening not only reduce the incidence of thalassaemia major but also spare families from decades of emotional, physical, and financial distress.

Kirti Pandey is a senior independent journalist.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]

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