Expenditure to Treat Thalassemia- A Major Financial Burden

Background: Thalassemia is the most common inherited blood disorder that represents a major public concern. The medical and economic burden of thalassemia is a great health problem worldwide. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Chattogram Maa Shishu-O-General Hospital, Chattogram from July 2013 to June 2014. 70 thalassemia patients aged 2-18 years with history of blood transfusion for at least one year and previously treated with iron chelating drugs were included. Parents were interviewed according to a formulated questionnaire based on a cost model. Data was analyzed both manually as well as using SPSS version 18. Results: Mean annual income of family was 262,000 taka/year ± 245,477.35 (USD 3324.87 ± 3115.19). Total annual cost for blood transfusion ranged between 5,100 to 32,400 taka/year (USD 64.72 to USD 411.17) varying on frequency of transfusion. On an average 6.91% (± 5.10) of annual income was spent for blood transfusion and it accounted for 65.99% (± 29.20) of total annual cost. Iron chelation therapy contributed to 45.94% (± 23.03) of total annual cost and it was 8% (± 9.94) of annual income of parents. Average annual cost was 24,037 taka/year ± 20,607.59 (USD 305.04 ± 261.52 per year) and average 13.22% (± 10.54) of annual income of parents was spent for treatment of a thalassemia child. Conclusion: Treatment of thalassemia exposes families to a great financial burden. Hence it is essential for the Government to provide financial support and subsidize costs of medication along with taking necessary steps to prevent the disease.