According to the NHM Government of India, India has the highest number of 42 million Thalassemia patients in the world and about 10,000 to 15,000 children affected by Thalassemia Major are born every year.
And sickle cell disease in India varies from 1 to 35% in different communities, which is an exceptionally large number. According to the NHM's Policy Document 2016 and WHO, genetic counselors will have to be appointed in health centers for effective prevention of these diseases.