In a big relief to several parents and NGO activists, the State government has issued a circular for inclusion of treatment of patients suffering from Thalassaemia under the Dr.NTR Vaidya Seva – a scheme to provide free treatment to the poor at both government and corporate hospitals.
Thalassaemia/sickle cell anaemia patients thanked Health Minister Kamineni Srinivas for the decision.
Thalassaemia is a blood disorder caused due to genetic factors necessitating regular transfusion under medical supervision. Frequent drop in platelets count causes multiple complications. Deficiency in production of haemoglobin leads to insufficient haemoglobin alpha and beta. Shortage in red blood cells affects oxygen supply to organs.
Vide Circular No. Dr.NTRVST/2531/P7C(Thalassaemia)/2016 issued by the trust on August 20, it is stated that Thalassaemia is approved for coverage under general medicine (M2) and paediatrics (M4) with procedure codes of M2.3 and M4.6.1 (medical management of chelation therapy for Thalassaemia major).
As per the circular, now patients can avail cashless treatment through NTR Vaidya Seva. Patients not having white ration cards have been advised to approach the CMCO peripheral centres located in the respective districts to obtain referral cards.
The government has also advised the hospitals declare one day in a week earmarked as Thalassaemia Clinic Day.
Maa Aaasaraa Foundation CEO Malathi Dechiraju hailed the circular saying this would able to give fresh lease of life to several poor patients and their relatives. Ms. Dechiraju, a former NRI, has been involved in serving the Thalassaemia patients for the past four years.
