India is facing a hidden health crisis in children: a dangerous rate of inherited blood disorders.

New data of a clinical laboratory chain, metropolis healthcare has found that more than 12 to 12 children were found to carry hemoglobin diseases on suspicion of blood disorders.

The findings are based on a three -year study conducted between 2021 and 2024.

The study examined about 20,000 children, who showed symptoms of hemoglobinopathy, a group of inherited conditions that affect red blood cells and can cause vulnerability to chronic anemia, fatigue, delayed growth and infections.

About 28.4% of these children conducted a positive test for hemoglobin disorder, which raised serious questions about India’s access and effectiveness of pediatric and maternal health infrastructure.

The two most common conditions to be identified were beta-thalassemia characteristic (38.7%) and sickle cell disease (30%).

Beta-Thilasimia affects the body’s ability to produce enough red blood cells, while sickle cell disease changes the size of red blood cells, often causing severe pain, persistent infection and life-drug complications.

More than this, more than half of the affected children were under three years of age, thus, initial screening and strict requirement of preventive interventions.

“Our findings reveal an essential public health concern. Early detection through prenatal and newborn screening can dramat the results of the disease,” Dr. Smita Sudke, head of the laboratory, head of Pune and the rest of Maharashtra and prominent writer of the study said.

Regional inequality and genetic red flag

The data also shows the regional difference in the spread of these disorders, suggests that blanket screening policies may not be sufficient.

The Northeast had a highest positivity rate of 48.44%, roughly due to high proliferation of hemoglobin E (HBE).

Central India saw dominance over sickle cell disease, which had a positivity rate of 37.36%.

The southern states recorded 34.09% of various hemoglobinopathies.

Meanwhile, western and northern India showed extensive cases of beta-thalasimia characteristic.

Such statistics say that experts say that the field-specific screening is a compelling case for protocols and strong integration of genetic testing in regular health services, especially for mothers and young children.

Molecular test is a game-shineer

Beyond identifying the burden, the study highlights the role of molecular diagnosis that often recall traditional tests.

Techniques such as the next generation sequencing (NGS), Sanger sequencing and gap-PCR are changing how India can detect, diagnose and manage inherited blood disorders.

“NGS can look deeply in genes like HBB, HBA1, and HBA2, even to detect the smallest or rare mutation. It allows initial intervention before showing the symptoms, and helps guide families in breeding plan and disease management,” Dr. Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientist and Innovation Officer at Metropolis Healthcare explained.

Including more than 65,000 individuals, a nationwide study by Metropolis also underlined how genetic sequencing can detect both common and rare mutation in hemoglobin genes, essential knowledge in a country where the condition of carrier is often too late.

Public awareness requires

India is a home of about 25% of the world’s Thalassemia burden. Despite this, genetic testing is largely out of reach for many people, and awareness about these disorders is less, especially in rural areas.

Study experts are calling for national level policy changes, including:

• Pre -delivery and newborn screening program
• Compulsory genetic counseling
• Cheap access to molecular testing, especially in high-east areas

The message is clear: Without the initial detection and active screening, thousands of children will suffer the life-changing effects of a stopped genetic conditions.

As India struggles with the burden of growing non-communicable disease, inherited blood disorders should not remain in the shade.