New Delhi, May 31 -- Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects how the body makes haemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen. When the body cannot make enough healthy haemoglobin, it leads to anaemia - a condition where the body does not get enough oxygen.

Thalassemia is passed down from parents to children. This means if one or both parents carry the gene, their child may be affected. Some children may only have a mild form, while others can have a more serious type. Early detection is important so that treatment can begin as soon as possible.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Kunal Shegal (Hematopathologist and Flow Cytometrist Director at Neuberg Sehgal Path Lab) and Dr Subhaprakash Sanyal (Director a...