Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar has said he will request the Union Health Minister to include Thalassemia in the National Sickle Cell Programme to help patients benefit from central government schemes, an official statement said on Wedesday.

Abitkar held a review meeting at the Directorate of Health Services in Mumbai during which he stated that the state will ask the Centre to include Thalassemia in the National Sickle Cell Programme.

The meeting focused on Thalassemia diagnosis, treatment, prevention, awareness, and funding for the 2025–26 financial year.