Thalassemia in Balochistan
Balochistan is the largest province by area in Pakistan with a population of 12,344,408 according to the 2017 census. However, healthcare facilities are very basic for such a large population, and unfortunately, the province lacks adequate facilities. The lack of healthcare facilities and awareness can be very dangerous in the future when life-threatening diseases like thalassemia occur, as the number of cases is rising every year in Pakistan, with high rates in certain provinces, especially in Balochistan.
β-thalassemia is a lifelong illness that can result in serious health problems, even death. There are an estimated 2,000 children with β-thalassemia in the province of Balochistan, who are at high risk of acquiring transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) due to their need for regular blood transfusions for survival.
Additionally, the number of children born with the disease is increasing due to their parents’ infections, who may not have done their tests (HB electrophoresis). If they are infected, their single mistake can lead to a big loss of hundreds of lives. However, the truth is they are often not aware of the disease or how to control it. The province is losing more than 500 lives each year, so the government must take action to address this issue.
The government should arrange projects to spread awareness to the people and make HB electrophoresis testing legally necessary before marriage to save lives. If the government fails to take appropriate action, the situation could become even more dangerous in the future. The government should be concerned about this issue and take proper action to address it.
By Abu Bakar Usman