Of the 93,804 newborn samples tested statewide, 193 infants were diagnosed with genetic or metabolic disorders ranging from congenital hypothyroidism (TSH) to G6PD deficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and galactosaemia.
Published Nov 21, 2025 | 9:02 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 21, 2025 | 9:02 PM
Kozhikode’s Regional Public Health Lab recorded the state’s highest number of G6PD deficiency cases.
Synopsis: Kerala is reporting a sharp rise in congenital disorders among newborns, with Thiruvananthapuram recording the highest numbers even as the state expands newborn screening, develops a rare-disease registry and prepares new child-care and paediatric palliative care programmes. A legislative committee has flagged serious data gaps and unusual spikes in conditions such as G6PD deficiency and galactosaemia, and has urged scientific investigations and stronger screening across districts.
Even as Kerala readies a Home-based Comprehensive Child Care Scheme and an expanded Paediatric Palliative Care Programme, a serious concern threatens to undermine these efforts: a steady rise in congenital disorders among children.
A legislative committee has raised the alarm over a surge in congenital disorders among newborns in Kerala, with Thiruvananthapuram district reporting the highest numbers.
The findings, in the 22nd report of the Estimates Committee of the fifteenth Kerala Assembly, are based on newborn screening data from October 2021 to December 2023.
Across these three years, the number of babies diagnosed with congenital defects in the capital district rose from 379 in 2021 to 733 in 2022, before increasing to 1,237 in 2023.
Kollam and Malappuram followed, showing steady climbs. Statewide, cases rose sharply from 2,635 to 4,779 during this period.
Yet the committee highlighted a critical gap: without district-wise screening volumes, it is impossible to know whether these regions truly have higher prevalence or are simply conducting more tests. It urged the Health Department to address this data gap immediately.
A separate lab-wise analysis for 2024 adds to the concern. Of the 93,804 newborn samples tested statewide, 193 infants were diagnosed with genetic or metabolic disorders ranging from congenital hypothyroidism (TSH) to G6PD deficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and galactosaemia.
TSH, caused by low thyroid hormone levels, can impair brain development if left untreated. G6PD deficiency, an enzyme-related genetic disorder, can trigger severe jaundice or anaemia when infants are exposed to certain foods, medicines or infections.
CAH affects hormone production in the adrenal glands and can lead to dangerous salt imbalance in newborns.
Galactosaemia, though rare, prevents babies from processing galactose, a sugar found in milk, and can rapidly cause liver damage and life-threatening infections without timely dietary management.
The State Public Health Lab in Thiruvananthapuram, which tested 28,302 samples, reported disproportionately high cases of hypothyroidism, CAH and galactosaemia.
Kozhikode’s Regional Public Health Lab, however, recorded the state’s highest number of G6PD deficiency cases, 35 out of 69.
Alarmed, the committee recommended scientific investigations into the unexplained spikes in G6PD deficiency in North Kerala and galactosaemia in Thiruvananthapuram.
The pattern is reflected in medical college data for 2024. Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College alone accounted for 1,745 of the 2,846 infants diagnosed with congenital disorders (6 percent), far ahead of other institutions.
Meanwhile, four medical colleges—Konni, Kannur, Kasaragod and Kollam—reported zero cases, raising suspicions about inadequate screening rather than an absence of disorders.
The committee has now called for targeted, region-specific studies to identify environmental, genetic or healthcare-driven factors behind the rising trend.
The state is also preparing for a major leap in child health with the government’s renewed focus on strengthening newborn screening and comprehensive childcare services, the committee report noted.
It said the state, which has already earned national praise for initiatives like Hridyam, through which nearly 79,000 children have been cured of heart diseases, is now sharpening its early-detection systems to further reduce neonatal mortality and prevent lifelong disabilities.
Newborns are currently screened for five conditions: congenital hypothyroidism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, G6PD deficiency, phenylketonuria and galactosaemia.
The Health Department is evaluating the inclusion of biotinidase deficiency, which could further widen Kerala’s safety net for rare disorders.
The panel has also recommended the immediate rollout of a Home-based Comprehensive Child Care Scheme, to be delivered through ASHA workers. The initiative aims to ensure universal immunisation, monitor child growth and improve maternal health outcomes.
With a rare-disease registry being developed under the Kerala Against Rare Diseases (KARE) scheme, the state is positioning itself as a national model in holistic child health, where every baby gets a fighting chance from the moment of birth.
In a parallel move, the state is framing a paediatric palliative care project for children requiring specialised, home-centred support, including bedridden children, those with rare diseases and children with disabilities.
Alongside this initiative, plans are underway to launch a dedicated paediatric palliative care clinic under the Department of Paediatrics. The Government Medical College, Ernakulam, is also developing a comprehensive care module to strengthen paediatric palliative services.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
