Ganesh V. Dante could not understand why his seven -year -old son often fell ill. The traditional doctor in his village in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, healing with the child since birth: “But his condition has never really improved.”
“It was only by the script under the national mission to eliminate anemia (NSCAEM), which started in 2023, was my son found that he had sickle cells and he was responsible for it.
His son is one of the more than 5.72 crore people who have so far been mixed under the NSCaem, which has led to the identification of 2.09 Lakh people with this disease and 16.3 lakh properties, according to data published recently by the Ministry of Health of the Union.
“The aim of the mission is now to be examined by approximately seven people Crore under 40 years in 17 countries until 2025-26, with the aim of strengthening the diagnosis, treatment and care of those who have a sickle-shaped cellular disease,” said Manisha Madkaikar.
She stressed that diseases of the sickle cells can largely contain that all pregnant women and newborns are proven and monitored for early diagnosis and early care. “This is the key to facing the growing number of patients with sickle cells,” she added.
Nationwide screening, which is performed within the National Health Mission (NHM), places special emphasis on tribal populations and includes states such as Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat and Rajasthan.
“National missions for the elimination of sickle cells have given instructions. The first is universal screening – in areas with a very high prevalence of sickle cell diseases, the entire population under 40 years is tested. Currently, the plan to examine almost seven crore individuals for sickle cell disease,” Madkaikar.
India carries a significant burden of sickle disease (SCD), especially between tribal populations. More than 50% of cases are concentrated in countries such as Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.
“Working with tribal populations is a challenge because of their faith in traditional medical systems, deeply rooted fear of modern system, lack of availability and need for timely monitoring,” Madkaikar. She noted that Maharashtra now ensures that Hydroxyurea – a key drug for SCD – addresses patients through trained front healthcare workers.
A sickness -like disease is a genetic blood disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin, which causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle -shaped, leading to a number of health complications. Although the disease is particularly prevailing in tribal communities, it also affects non -storey groups.
Rasmi Palassery, consultant, pediatric oncologist, hematologist and transplant physician at the Ramaiah, Bengalur oncology Institute, pointed out several gaps in the Indian response to the SCD.
“The dynamic national register needs to determine the actual burden on the anemia of the sickles in our country, aggressive screening of pregnant women and newborns and providing comprehensive care,” she said. “This is vital because the anemia of the sickle cells is eventually a multisystem, chronic disorder.”
“This, associated with social stigma, causes families to delay seeking help because they want to hide the fact that this disease exists. India also needs specialized care centers, diagnostic laboratories and trained employees to ensure early diagnosis and care,” she added.
Published – June 25, 2025 17:06
