Draft policy:Compulsory genetic screening of pregnant women to curb genetic disorders

The Centre has prepared a draft policy proposing compulsory genetic screening of all pregnant women to prevent inherited disorders such as thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia along with putting in place advanced facilities for comprehensive care of such patients.

The policy advocates for provision of medicines, including iron chelating agents, leukocyte filters and infusion pumps free of cost to the poor patients.

In line with 'Make in India' initiative, the draft policy also advocates for promotion of manufacture of the equipment and chemicals in the country and "waiver of GST and custom duties to reduce cost of treatment for the affected families".

Titled "Policy For Prevention and Control of Hemoglobinopathies Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Disease and variant Hemoglobins In India", the draft note has been put up