Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], June 16 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu is set to attend a state-level event on the occasion of World Sickle Cell Day in Taloon Gram Panchayat, Barwani district, Madhya Pradesh, on June 19, according to an official release. The event will spotlight efforts under the National Sickle Cell Eradication Mission, aimed at eliminating the disease by 2047.
President Murmu will serve as the chief guest, with Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, and other senior ministers also in attendance.
Several initiatives will be launched during the event, including a genetic counseling awareness video and comprehensive care guidelines/modules for pregnant women affected by sickle cell disease. Panchayats that have completed 100% screening of the targeted age group will be recognized for their efforts.
A major highlight will be the launch of the “Sickle Cell Mitra” initiative, in collaboration with the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Directorates of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Sickle Cell Mitras will act as vital liaisons between service providers and the youth, raising awareness and promoting education about the disease.
To mark the occasion, special genetic counseling camps will be held across 33 affected districts, offering information on disease management, inheritance risks, and available medical support. Screening and testing will be conducted at various levels of the healthcare system—from sub-centers to district hospitals—with an emphasis on identifying patients and testing their family members.
According to the release, over 1.06 crore individuals have already been screened in Madhya Pradesh under the National Sickle Cell Eradication Mission. Of these, more than 2 lakh carriers have been identified, and 29,277 people have been diagnosed with the disease. Treatment is ongoing for all identified patients, and more than 80.09 lakh sickle cell cards have been distributed to ensure timely and informed medical care.
Screening and treatment are being rigorously monitored through the National Sickle Cell Portal. Patients receive free treatment, including Hydroxyurea medication, folic acid, vaccinations, and blood transfusions. To date, 26,115 patients have been treated with Hydroxyurea.
The initiative began on November 15, 2021, as the State Hemoglobinopathy Mission in Alirajpur and Jhabua. It was later expanded to the national level by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 1, 2023, from Shahdol. Screening is currently active in 33 districts, covering 89 development blocks from 20 districts and an additional 13 districts under the PM Janman Scheme.
Special infrastructure has also been developed to support the mission. AIIMS Bhopal hosts a dedicated lab to test newborns within 72 hours of birth. A bone marrow transplant unit at Indore Medical College has performed over 100 transplants for critically ill patients. Additionally, a Center of Excellence has been established in Rewa to further strengthen research and treatment efforts.
The Madhya Pradesh government continues to make determined, coordinated efforts across multiple departments and institutions to achieve the long-term goal of eradicating sickle cell disease by 2047. (ANI)
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