Home / Health / Visakhapatnam Opens South India's First Newborn Screening Centre
Visakhapatnam Opens South India's First Newborn Screening Centre
18 May
Summary
- A new Centre of Competence for Haemoglobinopathies opened at King George Hospital.
- The centre offers South India's first newborn screening within 24 hours of birth.
- It aims to combat sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia in tribal populations.
A Centre of Competence for Haemoglobinopathies (CoC) was inaugurated at King George Hospital (KGH) in Visakhapatnam on May 18, 2026. This marks a significant effort by the State government to tackle genetic blood disorders prevalent in tribal communities.
The centre, funded by a ₹3.77 crore grant from the Central government, will introduce newborn screening within 24 hours of birth, a first for South India. This early detection aims to reduce mortality from haemoglobin disorders among infants.
To support tribal patients, a dedicated ST Cell has been established at KGH. This cell will provide guidance on treatment pathways and assist with procuring necessary medicines through the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA). Financial aid will also be available through the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.
Tribal Welfare Minister Gummidi Sandhya Rani urged tribal communities to utilize the free blood-testing services and register for health cards. She emphasized that sickle cell anaemia is a hereditary condition, not communicable, and encouraged shedding associated stigma to promote testing and early intervention.
