Odisha Among 17 High-Focus States As PM Launches National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission

Bhopal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, on Saturday and distributed sickle cell genetic status cards to the beneficiaries.

The Mission, announced during this year’s Union Budget, aims to address pressing health challenges posed by sickle cell disease, particularly among the tribal population.

The launch will mark a crucial milestone in the Central government’s ongoing efforts to eliminate sickle cell disease as a public health problem by 2047.

It will be implemented in 278 districts of 17 high-focus states, including Odisha.

The other states are Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar and Uttarakhand.

The PM also kickstarted distribution of 3.57 crore Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) cards in Madhya Pradesh.

Honouring Rani Durgavati, ruling queen of Gondwana in mid-16th century, Modi said that the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission is inspired by her.

The Prime Minister also said that the nation is taking a big pledge from the land of Shahdol to secure the lives of people from tribal communities — a resolution of freedom from Sickle Cell Anaemia and saving the lives of 2.5 lakh children and families that are affected by the disease.

Underlining the painful symptoms and genetic origin of Sickle Cell Anaemia, the Prime Minister said that the disease affects entire family as it pushes family members into a web of penury.

He stated that the campaign for elimination of Sickle Cell Anaemia will be a key mission of Amrit Kaal and expressed the determination to free tribal communities and the country from the menace of Sickle Cell Anaemia by 2047.

He informed that blood banks are being established for the patients, arrangement for bone marrow transplant is being enhanced and screening of Sickle Cell Anaemia is being revamped. He urged the people to come forward for screening.