In India, where over 25 million births occur annually, a startlingly low percentage of newborns receive screening for serious yet treatable health conditions at birth. Often, these disorders go undetected for months until symptoms emerge, potentially causing irreversible damage. Newborn screening aims to avert such tragedies, yet it remains underutilized in the country's maternal and child healthcare system, with fewer than 5 percent of infants tested.
Experts emphasize that early detection is crucial, as undiagnosed conditions can prove life-threatening. “When these conditions are not diagnosed earlier, the outcome can be devastating, which can range from permanent disability to chronic illness and in some cases, loss of life,” warned Dr. Venkataswamy Eswarachari, Associate Vice President and Senior Director of Lab Operations at MedGenome Labs.
Delayed diagnosis not only leads to prolonged medical interventions but also imposes significant emotional and financial burdens on families, according to Dr. Eswarachari. This issue is particularly acute for conditions prevalent in the Indian population, including congenital hypothyroidism, G6PD deficiency, and hemoglobin disorders such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia.
Unlike in other nations where newborn screening is a mandatory public health measure, India lacks a unified national policy. “India still lacks a unified national policy, and screening depends largely on the hospital’s resources,” Dr. Eswarachari noted, highlighting how access hinges on individual hospital capabilities and parental awareness.
Comprehensive early screening panels can test for anywhere between 65 and more than 100 conditions, offering a vital opportunity for timely intervention. The process itself is straightforward, quick, and safe, typically conducted between 24 and 72 hours after birth.
As awareness grows, advocates urge greater integration of newborn screening into routine healthcare to safeguard millions of infants and prevent avoidable suffering across the nation.
