Delhi Legislative Assembly Observes International Thalassaemia Day 2025 with Special Awareness Event

New Delhi, 08 May: Vijender Gupta, while addressing the gathering on International Thalassaemia Day on 8 May 2025, urged that “all stakeholders to work collectively toward a future of care, dignity, and hope for thalassaemia patients”. He acknowledged the resilience of patients and their families, calling them an inspiration to society.
The commemorative event was held at the Delhi Legislative Assembly Premises , organized in collaboration with the National Thalassaemia Welfare Society (NTWS). Vijender Gupta, Hon’ble Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, was the Chief Guest, and was joined by distinguished guests including Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Hon’ble Chairperson of the National Commission for Backward Classes and former Union Minister of State for Home Affairs , Mrs Vinita Srivastava , Senior Expert, National Health Authority MoHFW, Govt. of India , and Dr J. S Arora ,General Secretary ,National Thalassaemia Welfare Society (NTWS).

Guided by this year’s global theme, “Together for Thalassemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritizing Patients,” the event underscored the urgency of unified action. In his address, Shri Gupta reiterated the significance of the occasion, stating, “Let today not be just a remembrance, but a renewed commitment to prevention, awareness, and support.” Shri Gupta paid tribute to the unwavering strength of thalassaemia patients and their families, whom he described as beacons of courage and inspiration.

India bears the heaviest global burden of thalassaemia, with more than 50 million carriers and an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 children born annually with thalassaemia major. While bone marrow transplantation remains the only known permanent cure, it is prohibitively expensive and dependent on donor availability—rendering it inaccessible to most patients. In the absence of curative options, affected individuals rely on lifelong blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy, often costing up to ₹2 lakh per year.

Recognizing this challenge, the Delhi Government provides these treatments free of charge to registered patients. Shri Gupta also emphasized the implementation of Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAT) to enhance the safety of blood transfusions—an important step toward safeguarding patient health.

With a firm belief in the power of prevention, Shri Gupta stressed that thalassaemia major only occurs when both parents are carriers. He highlighted the importance of carrier screening and prenatal diagnosis, drawing attention to the free antenatal testing services available at Lok Nayak Hospital. He urged the healthcare community, educators, and media to become active partners in disseminating knowledge and empowering families with information critical to prevention.

As a poignant tribute, a symbolic sapling planting ceremony was held on the Vidhan Sabha grounds to honour those who have lost their lives to thalassaemia. The act also symbolized the community’s shared resolve to nurture a future free from preventable suffering. The Speaker expressed heartfelt appreciation for the tireless efforts of organizations such as NTWS, Thalassaemic India, and the Thalassemia International Federation, along with the medical professionals and voluntary blood donors whose compassion sustains the thalassaemia community.
In closing, Shri Gupta delivered a message of solidarity and hope: “Your strength moves us, your courage uplifts us. The Delhi Government stands with you—today and every day.”