Over one lakh infants born in government hospitals were screened for congenital metabolic disorders in the last 18 months, under the State’s newborn-screening programme. Of these, 50 infants were found to have congenital hypothyroidism and one infant, congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Because of early screening and detection of these congenital conditions, 51 infants could be saved from mental retardation and other developmental issues. The 51 infants are already under treatment for the congenital disorders, Health Minister V.S. Sivakumar said here on Friday
He was speaking at a function organised by the Health Department to commemorate the 125 birth anniversary of the nation’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
Under the newborn screening programme of the State government, infants born in 44 government hospitals across the State are screened for four congenital metabolic disorders, which if not detected early, could have irreversible and devastating consequences for the children.
