What is Thalassemia?
Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that impairs the body’s ability to produce haemoglobin, resulting in chronic anaemia and related complications. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner and is particularly common in malaria-endemic regions, including India, where 5–7% of the population are carriers.
Depending on the severity, thalassemia can be classified into:
- Thalassemia minor – often asymptomatic or with mild anaemia
- Thalassemia intermedia
- Thalassemia major (Cooley’s anaemia) – requires lifelong medical intervention
Treatment depends on disease severity and may involve:
- Regular blood transfusions – to maintain haemoglobin levels
- Iron chelation therapy – to remove excess iron from transfusions
- Folic acid supplementation
- Stem cell transplant – the only potential cure for thalassemia major
- Emerging gene therapies – like CASGEVY™ for long-term remission
Early diagnosis using blood tests, hemoglobin electrophoresis, and advanced genetic screening (PCR, NGS) is critical for timely and effective management. Prenatal testing is also available for at-risk couples.
Why Choose India for Thalassemia Treatment?
India—especially Delhi-based Tier 1 private hospitals like Apollo Hospitals (Delhi), Fortis Healthcare, Max Super Speciality Hospital (Saket), and BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital—offers world-class thalassemia care with a comprehensive, patient-friendly approach. Benefits include:
- Experienced haematologists and transplant specialists with global training
- Advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities, including gene therapy and stem cell transplants
- Dedicated paediatric and adult thalassemia programs with multidisciplinary care
- Affordable treatment compared to Western nations, without compromising on quality
- Streamlined support for international patients – medical visa help, accommodation assistance, interpreters, and personalized care plans
India’s affordability and clinical expertise make it an ideal destination for long-term thalassemia care, especially for transfusion-dependent patients and those seeking curative therapies.
ملخص التكلفة والمدة
متوسط التكلفة في الهند: USD 1,500 – 3,000/year (transfusion-based care)
USD 20,000 – 30,000 (stem cell transplant)
الإقامة في المستشفى مطلوبة: 1–2 days per transfusion session / 4–6 weeks for stem cell transplant
الإقامة بعد العلاج في الهند: 1–2 weeks (follow-ups & monitoring for transfusions)
3–6 months for transplant recovery