"There are about 130 thalassemia patients followed by the University Hospital of Sassari. A number that has grown over the years, if we consider that in 2016 they were about 95. However, in the face of such a significant figure, the city of Sassari still lacks a reference health center dedicated to the treatment of this genetic and hereditary pathology which is very widespread in Sardinia. "Thus the regional councilor of the M5s Desirè Manca, who presented a question to President Solinas and the regional councilor for Health Nieddu to request the opening of a center dedicated to thalassemia in the north of the island.
“As is well known - explains Manca - thalassemia patients need services dedicated to the well-being of the person at 360 degrees. In addition to periodic blood transfusions, in fact, patients must undergo an iron chelating treatment, which allows the elimination of excess iron, and regular laboratory and instrumental checks ".
"Sardinia is the second Italian region, after Sicily, with the largest number of patients with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia, equal to about 900 people, of which about 500 attended to the Microcitemico hospital in Cagliari, a center of excellence for the treatment of thalassemia, which guarantees assistance to patients in adult and pediatric age ", states Manca again.
"Patients in Northern Sardinia, even in this very important area, do not have a structure-point of reference of the same level. Therefore, I believe it is fundamental - the conclusion - that the Department of Health starts immediately to work to identify a structure to be used for the construction of a health center dedicated to thalassemics in Northern Sardinia, who have been forced to move to the capital for too long in order to receive the best treatments available ".
(Unioneonline / vl)
