INTERNATIONAL THALASSAEMIA DAY 2012

That this House celebrates International Thalassaemia Day on 8 May 2012; recognises the importance of the day in raising global awareness of thalassaemia; agrees with the key theme that thalassaemia patients and affected communities should have access to approproprate information on this condition; notes that although thalassaemia is a serious, lifelong medical condition, with modern medical treatment it is manageable; welcomes the improvements that have been made in the UK in the treatment of and screening for thalassaemia; but expresses concern that access to screening and the care received by patients is still variable; and calls on the Government to continue improving services and the availability of information for patients with this rare condition.