(ii) Need to check the spread of thalassemia disease in the country.

SHRI GOPI NATH GAJAPATHI (Berhampur): Sir, it is a matter of great concern that the thalassemia disease has been spreading in different parts of the country. According to an estimate, twenty-five million of people in India presently carry this disease and the preva- lence is very high among some communities' About ten thousand babies born everyday, carry this disease. The cost of the treatment of this disease is very high. It is estimated that for one child, more than Rs. 1.25 lakh is required, which is out of reach of most of the parents.

Unless joint efforts are made by the voluntary agencies, media and Government, it is very difficult to check the spread of this disease. Prevention is better than cure and that is the only way out.

There-fore,it is necessary to launchan intensive awareness campaign through media about the disease. The Government should set medical facilities for the treatment of this disease.

There is also need to set up a bone marrow transplant center at the All India Institute of Medical sciences, as this would help cure the disease, which requires blood transfusion at an average of once every month. The treatment of this disease should be made easier and within the reach of the patients.

In view of this, I request the Central Government to pay attention to mass education regarding the disease, education of parents of thalassemic children and its management and also help blood banks in collecting blood, so that the prevention and cure of the disease would become easier,

521 Matters Under Rule 377