Newborn Screening Programme in Hyderabad detects 5 genetic disorders

A Newborn Screening Programme was launched at Niloufer Hospital in Hyderabad to detect five genetic disorders: Congenital Hypothyroidism (1 in 811), G6PD Deficiency (1 in 932), Biotinidase Deficiency (1 in 1475), Galactosemia (1 in 1340), and Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (1 in 2009). The heel prick test is conducted within 24-48 hours after birth, with results in 5-7 days. The initiative aims to screen all babies born in public hospitals, where 52% of Indian births occur.