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Hypothyroidism screening should be made mandatory
Hypothyroidism Screening Should Be Made Mandatory. Healthcare experts discussed the disorder and the steps that should be taken to counter it.
Healthcare experts discussed the disorder and the steps that should be taken to counter it.
At an awareness programme held in the city, healthcare experts in the city opined that the government should make screening mandatory to detect congenital hypothyroidism in infants and pregnant women.
Congenital hypothyroidism is a condition in newborn babies that is caused due to the deficiency of thyroid hormones. In new born babies, thyroid hormones are extremely important for development of brain, internal organs, bones and overall growth.
The experts felt screening mandatory because the lack of thyroxin hormone is considered to be the main reason for retarded growth and congenital heart problems in children.
“Healthcare departments in the USA and Australia have made screening mandatory for pregnant women and infant babies. In India for every 1200 births, one baby is detected to have congenital hypothyroidism defect. As the state and central governments are spending crores of rupees for women and children welfare, they should also come forward to make it mandatory to have thyroid test for all newborn children up to the age of three. Early detection of thyroid defects would enable effective treatment,” said Dr Rakesh from Mediciti Hospital.
“Common public lacks awareness about congenital hypothyroidism. Even doctors and healthcare providers in the rural areas are unaware of this. It is important to create public awareness and the government should come forward to make congenital hypothyroidism screening mandatory,” opined Dr Nagesh from Care Hospital.
When diagnosed early and treated adequately, children born with congenital hypothyroidism could experience normal physical growth and neurological development. Testing for the disorder is simple and can be availed in many hospitals and laboratories across the country for Rs 400 to 500.
The experts opined that the disorder is not hereditary and can be due to various factors like genetic disorder, pollution and excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides. Marriages with close blood relations are also considered as the major reason for this condition.
