Nepalgunj, December 19

Bheri Hospital in Nepalgunj has launched free sickle cell testing for newborns for the first time. According to the Hospital’s Medical Superintendent, Dr Nirajan Subedi, the service has been introduced using newly acquired advanced testing equipment. In the past two days, four newborns have already been tested for sickle cell disease.

The hospital also operates a 16-bed ward dedicated to sickle cell patients. Dr Rajan Pandey said that the lack of early diagnosis of sickle cell anaemia often leads to the untimely death of children. If a newborn is diagnosed with sickle cell disease, additional vaccinations are required up to the age of five, starting from three months, along with regular medication.

Timely diagnosis makes treatment easier and more effective. Although sickle cell anaemia is predominantly prevalent among the Tharu community, cases have also been detected in other communities. The test for newborns is conducted with the consent of parents or guardians.

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