Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Society (TSCS) and Fernandez Hospital collaborate for Prenatal Diagnosis for Thalassemia/Sickle Cell anemia in Pregnant Women

TSCS is the only NGO in India to offer this facility for the prevention of both Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia

Hyderabad, 23rd May 2025: Kamala Hospital and Research Centre, a unit of the Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Society (TSCS), Hyderabad, has taken a significant step toward the prevention of genetic blood disorders by initiating Prenatal Diagnosis (PND) testing for couples identified as Thalassemia or Sickle Cell carriers. This initiative is an essential component of the society’s comprehensive prevention program aimed at reducing the birth of children affected with Thalassemia Major and Sickle Cell Anemia.

“Prenatal Diagnostic Centre” is a new facility with a major advancement in TSCS’s mission to eliminate thalassemia births by 2035, driven by the philosophy that “Prevention is better than Cure.”

Through its ongoing antenatal screening program, TSCS identifies carrier couples early in pregnancy. When both partners are found to be carriers, the unborn child has a 25% chance of being affected in every pregnancy. In such cases, TSCS offers prenatal diagnostic testing during early trimester, in collaboration with Fernandez Foundation, Hyderabad.

Supported by Dr. Suman Jain, Chief Medical Research Officer and Secretary, Dr. K. Saroja, Medical Officer, Dr. G. Padma, Research Scientist – TSCS the initiative not only empowers families with crucial genetic health information but also reinforces TSCS’s mission to prevent new births of Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia through early detection and timely intervention, ultimately contributing to a Thalassemia/Sickle Cell Anemia-free future.

The partnership will facilitate timely prenatal diagnostic services, empowering families with critical information and enabling them to make informed choices for a healthier future. This collaboration marks a significant step toward improving reproductive health outcomes and reducing the burden of inherited blood disorders in India.

“This partnership is about more than diagnostics—it’s about compassion, empowerment, and hope,” said Dr. Geeta Kolar, Obstetrician and Maternal and Fetal Medicine Specialist at Fernandez Hospital. “We’re committed to supporting every family with the best medical care and information possible.”

“This diagnostic centre is a milestone in our long-standing effort to stop the birth of thalassemia and sickle cell affected children,” added Dr. Chandrakant Agarwal, President of TSCS. “By uniting science and social commitment, we aim to secure a thalassemia-free generation.”