Thalassemia cases on the rise in Balochistan

QUETTA:

An alarming increase in Thalassemia cases has been witnessed in Balochistan during the last few years as the percentage of the disease among the Baloch population stands at 8.1 per cent and at 5.6 per cent in the Pashtun dominated areas.

“The health experts are continuously suggesting proper legislation in this connection to diminish the hazard of inherited disease," Parliamentary Secretary Law and Parliamentary Affairs Dr Rubaba Khan Buledi said on Saturday. In her message with regards to World Thalassemia Day, she noted that about one thousand children are born with Thalassemia in Balochistan every year.

“According to the available data, one lakh children are suffering from this disease in Pakistan at present, while another five thousand children are being diagnosed with this disease every year,” Dr Rubaba added.