Thalassemia Day

PHUKET: Today, May 8, marks Thalassemia Day.

Thalassemia is a genetic blood condition that affects hemoglobin and causes anemia and other debilitating symptoms in sufferers of the disease, which is particularly prevalent among Thais, who have the highest rate of the disease in South East Asia.

One out of every 100 Thais suffers from the effects of Thalassemia and 40 out of every 100 Thais carry the mutant gene that causes the abnormalities in hemoglobin.

According to Vachira Phuket Hospital Blood Bank technician Ampai Pimadprom, there are about 90 people in Phuket who suffer from the more severe form of the disease and receive regular blood transfusions at the hospital.

The Public Health Authority advises couples intending to have children to first be screened for Thalassemia as it can be fatal to unborn children. Testing mothers-to-be for Thalassemia is standard procedure in all Thai hospitals.

— Thanasorn Chookate