G6PD enzyme deficiency

Parsiana is doing great service to the Parsi community by periodically informing and warning the readers that G6PD enzyme deficiency is common among the Parsis and publishing a list of drugs to which those with this enzyme deficiency are highly susceptible. I trust that the community, especially those living outside Bombay, take heed because even many doctors are either not aware of the same or do not bother to have the test carried out. I would like to know whether it would be alright for G6PD deficient persons to donate blood in the ordinary course.

Lately there is an awakening in Gujarat and Saurashtra regarding prevention of thalassemia. I wonder whether there has been any reported case of the same within the Parsi/Zarathushti community.

Will someone in the know please be good enough to elaborate on the subject?

RASHID S. MEDORA

Ahmedabad

The editors reply

Our enquiries have revealed that G6PD deficient persons can donate blood if they so wish.