Question : SCREENING TEST FOR METABOLIC DISEASES IN INFANTS



(a) whether certain companies collecting stem cells from the umbilical cord have introduced a screening test for the investigation of 118 metabolic diseases in infants;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the extent to which the claims of the company are reliable and accurate;

(c) whether Government proposes to make such test mandatory for infants; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI ABU HASEM KHAN CHOUDHURY)

(a) & (b): No such information is maintained.

(c) & (d) : Government has no proposal for making such test mandatory for infants as per current policy.