Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disease which affects the whole life of a patient. It is more common in the tribal population of India, but occurs in non-tribals too. It not only causes anemia but also pain crises, reduced growth, and affects many organs like lungs, heart, kidney, eyes, bones and the brain.

To eliminate sickle cell disease, Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission has been launched by Prime Minister from Madhya Pradesh on 1st July, 2023. The objective of the Mission is provision of affordable and accessible care to all Sickle Cell Diseased patients, quality of care for SCD patients and reduction in the prevalence of Sickle Cell Disease through awareness creation, universal screening of 7 crore people in the age group of 0-40 years in affected 278 districts of tribal areas, and counseling through collaborative efforts of central ministries and state government.   

Through the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, awareness and counseling material has been developed. IEC and media activities are adopted for propagation of disease, screening and management. State Govt. have to play an important role in implementation of mission activities. State Government doing screening by scheduling outreach campaigns in villages and schools/hostels. The preventive measurement and management of disease is also an important component of the mission.

Under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, patients living with Sickle Cell disease provided with the following services/ facilities for improving their quality of life through Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC);

• Regular follow-up of diseased individuals at frequent intervals.
• Counseling regarding lifestyle management.
• Nutritional supplementation support through distribution of folic acid tablets.
• Conducting yoga and wellness sessions.
• Management of crisis symptoms and referral to higher facilities.

Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission is a sub mission of NHM. Based on the proposal received from States, the funds have been approved by MoHFW under NHM.

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prof. S.P. Baghel stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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