World Rare Disease Day 2026: AIIMS Bilaspur Launches Advanced Screening for Newborns
Every year, the last day of February is observed globally as World Rare Disease Day. The 2026 theme, “More Than You Can Imagine,” highlights the struggles of families battling rare diseases.
In this regard, AIIMS Bilaspur has achieved a significant milestone. The institute now screens newborns of high-risk mothers for genetic disorders using tandem mass spectrometry technology.
Experts say the biggest challenge in managing rare diseases is the delayed detection. This advanced technique allows for precise testing of newborns’ blood samples. If the disease is detected within the first hours or days, timely treatment can prevent permanent disabilities or serious health risks.
According to statistics, multiple rare diseases affect about 8% of the global population, 75% of whom are children. Dr. Rakesh Kumar Singh, Director of AIIMS, stated that the National Rare Disease Policy of India has significantly improved facilities for patients. Currently, under the national policy, 63 rare diseases are notified for treatment.
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