India reports one ‘Down Syndrome’ case against 1,000 live births: Govt

Tribune News Service

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New Delhi, May 5

The government today said one case of ‘Down Syndrome’ is reported among every 1,000 live births in India and a provision has been made for initiating early intervention for the management of the genetic disorder.

In the western countries, this figure is one against 800 live births, Health Minister JP Nadda said.

Nadda said the chances of 'Down Syndrome' in India are lessened because marriages take place early in this country, in contrast to the western countries where marriages often take place at a later age of life.

The early detection of birth defects, including ‘Down Syndrome’, is carried out by clinical screening of all children from 0-18 years of age and a provision has also been made for initiating early intervention for the management of ‘Down Syndrome’, he said.

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder which is typically associated with physical growth delays, characteristic facial features, and mild to moderate intellectual disability.

Nadda said the Government of India was implementing the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram to screen all children up to 18 years of age through early detection of birth defects, diseases, deficiencies, development delays, including disability and would provide comprehensive care, including surgeries at the tertiary-level free of cost under National Health Mission.