Alarming Rise in Genetic Disorders Among Newborns in Kerala: Thiruvananthapuram Leads the Way
A recent report from the Kerala Assembly Estimates Committee, chaired by former Health Minister KK Shailaja, has uncovered a disturbing trend: a significant increase in newborns with genetic defects across the state, with Thiruvananthapuram emerging as the epicenter. But here's where it gets controversial: while the numbers are rising, experts argue that this might not be entirely bad news. Let’s dive into the details.
The report, based on data from the Newborn Screening Program between 2021 and 2023, reveals that Thiruvananthapuram is followed closely by Kollam and Malappuram in terms of cases. The numbers are staggering: from 2,635 newborns with genetic defects in 2021, the figure surged to 4,779 in 2023. Thiruvananthapuram alone saw a 226% jump, from 379 cases in 2021 to 1,237 in 2023. Preliminary 2024 data from 13 government medical colleges under the 'Shalabham' scheme further highlights that 61% of identified cases (1,745 out of 2,846) were from the capital city.
And this is the part most people miss: the committee noted that the total number of children screened in each district remains unclear, which could skew the analysis. Without complete data, it’s challenging to draw definitive conclusions. Additionally, the report highlights a puzzling trend—fund utilization for the screening program has been declining annually. In 2021, 41.52% of funds went unused, rising to 73.14% in 2023. The committee has demanded an explanation for this underutilization.
Genomics expert Dr. Vinod Scaria offers a nuanced perspective. He emphasizes that the percentage of people with genetic disorders typically remains constant within a population. Most of these conditions are inherited from carrier parents, so the rising numbers aren’t necessarily cause for panic. Instead, Dr. Scaria suggests a more optimistic interpretation: 'If the number of tests is increasing, it’s a positive sign. It means more people are getting tested, and more children with treatable conditions are being identified early.'
This raises a thought-provoking question: Is the increase in reported cases a reflection of better screening practices or a genuine rise in genetic disorders? Could the underutilization of funds be hindering more comprehensive screening efforts? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Let’s spark a conversation about this critical issue and explore how we can ensure every child gets the care they need.
