<span style="color: #222222;">Vice President  M Venkaiah Naidu today emphasized the need to focus on preventive measures to address the huge burden of genetic diseases like thalassemia and sickle cell anemia in the country. He suggests taking up mass screening of the children for early identification and management of genetic disorders. Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the 2nd Blood Transfusion Unit and an Advanced Diagnostic Laboratory at the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society in Hyderabad today, he asked the private sector and NGOs to support the government's efforts in combating genetic diseases. <br />''<br />''Noting that treatment options are cost-intensive and distressing to the child, the Vice president called for a comprehensive approach to address the health challenge of Thalassemia and sickle cell anemia. He also assured that efforts will be made to ensure a law making screening of Thalassemia mandatory. Stating that around 10-15 thousand babies are born every year with Thalassemia in the country, he asked media and all stakeholders to create awareness among people.  Lack of awareness about these genetic diseases is a major impediment to prevention and early diagnosis. </span><br />