Hyderabad, Dec 22 (UNI) President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday advocated special efforts be taken by the government and medical fraternity to eradicate thalaseemia afflicting the children in the country.

'Though the country has made remarkable progress in the field of medicine, thalaseemia (an inherited blood disorder) was still troubling children in the country', he said after inaugurating the centre of excellence for sickle cell anaemic thalassemia and other blood disorders at the Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences in Karimnagar.

He also underscored the need to create awareness among the people particularly in rural areas about blood donation and healthcare, adding, that the medical facilities available in cities should be made available in rural areas also.

Expressing his happiness that polio and small pox have been eradicated through concerted efforts in the country, Mr Kovind said that "Ayushman Bharat" Health Scheme launched by the Central government was a gift to the country through which lakhs of poor people were being provided medical treatment.

The President said the country's doctors and para-medical staff were among the best in the world and added that in medical tourism too, the country acquired worldwide attention.

hE also awarded medals to meritorious students after inaugurating the new auditorium of the institute.

Governors E.S.L.Narasimhan (Telangana and AP) Ch.Vidayasagar Rao (Maharashtra) and Telangana Home Minister Mohammad Mahmood Ali were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.
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