Thalassemia patients in Delhi are experiencing a severe shortage of Desferal (deferoxamine), a crucial iron-chelating drug necessary for their treatment. Reports indicate that government hospitals, including Lady Hardinge Medical College and LNJP Hospital, have faced persistent supply issues, forcing patients to seek the drug from private pharmacies at a cost of nearly ₹2,900 per box, which lasts only a few days. This has created significant financial distress for many families. Hospital officials attribute the shortage to procurement difficulties, stating that tenders for the drug have received no responses. Despite the government's assertion that no shortage exists, patient advocacy groups, led by Deepak Chopra (president of Thalassemics India), are raising alarms about the implications of this ongoing issue, particularly as World Thalassemia Day approaches on May 8. They argue that the lack of access to this off-patent drug undermines India's reputation as a global pharmaceutical hub. Doctors emphasize the importance of consistent access to iron-chelation therapy, warning that interruptions can lead to severe complications for patients.