India's Mission Against Sickle Cell: A National Health Breakthrough

The Union Health Minister J P Nadda disclosed in the Lok Sabha that a staggering 6.04 crore people in 17 tribal-dominated states, including Maharashtra, have been screened for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) till July 28. Out of those, 2,16,118 individuals have been confirmed to have the disease.

The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Madhya Pradesh on July 1, 2023, aimed at eliminating SCD. Its objectives include providing affordable and quality care, increasing awareness, and targeting screenings for seven crore people aged 0-40 in affected districts until 2025-26.

Screenings are conducted at all health facilities, and patients receive follow-up care, lifestyle counselling, and supplementary support. Meanwhile, Hydroxyurea is being distributed to ensure medication accessibility. Fifteen Centres of Excellence have been approved across the country, and efforts for awareness continue through monthly Ayushman Arogya events supported by MoTA and MoHFW.

(With inputs from agencies.)