Under the National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission–2047, a state-level programme is being organized on World Sickle Cell Day, June 19, at the sports stadium of Gram Panchayat Taloon in Barwani. President Smt. Droupadi Murmu will be the chief guest at the program. Governor Mangubhai Patel, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, and other ministers will also be present.
On this occasion, several innovations will be launched, including a genetic counseling awareness video and comprehensive guidelines/modules for affected pregnant women. Panchayats that have completed 100 percent screening of the targeted age group will be honored.
On the day of the program, activities will be conducted across the state to raise awareness about sickle cell disease. Special consultation camps will be organized in 33 sickle cell-affected districts, where individuals will receive information about genetic counseling, disease management, future generation prospects, and necessary medical services. From sub-centers to district hospitals, special camps will be held at all primary and secondary health institutions to identify patients, conduct screening, and test other family members as well.
Sickle cell patients and their caregivers will be informed about management methods for acute conditions like pain crisis. Campaigns for screening and counseling will be conducted especially in tribal and rural panchayats heavily affected by the disease. A genetic counseling card developed at the state level will be distributed to help people understand genetic information more easily. Mega camps will also be held to simplify the process of linking sickle cell patients to disability schemes and financial assistance through the creation of UDID cards.
So far, 10.5 million (1 crore 5 lakh) citizens have been screened under the National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission in the state. Among them, over 2,00,000 carriers have been identified, and 28,297 people have been found to be affected by sickle cell disease. Treatment for these patients is ongoing. More than 7.5 million (75.36 lakh) sickle cell cards have been distributed so far, enabling affected individuals to understand their health condition and receive appropriate treatment.
For newborn screening within 72 hours, a special lab has been established at AIIMS Bhopal. All identified patients are being provided Hydroxyurea, Folic Acid, and free blood transfusion services. For severe patients, a bone marrow transplant unit has been established at Indore Medical College, where over 100 transplants have been completed. A Center of Excellence has been set up in Rewa. Under this mission, continuous and strong efforts are being made to completely eliminate sickle cell disease in Madhya Pradesh by 2047.
