PM to launch National Mission to eliminate sickle cell anaemia by 2047

New Delhi: Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission Programme on June 27 in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh.

Highlighting the concerns surrounding sickle cell disease in the nation, Mandaviya emphasised that the sickle cell disease has affected a significant number of the tribal population. With over 70 million individuals residing in 17 states across the country, it has been observed that they have been affected by this condition.

The Mission has been designed to tackle the urgent health challenges associated with sickle cell disease, particularly among the tribal population. The initiation of this mission will serve as a significant milestone in the government's continuous endeavors to eliminate sickle cell disease as a public health concern by 2047.

The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission was introduced as part of the Union Budget 2023 and will be implemented across 278 districts in 17 states of focus. These states include Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar, and Uttarakhand.

In order to achieve the goal of eliminating sickle cell disease by 2047, a series of measures will be undertaken. This includes the screening of 70 million individuals to identify carriers of the disease. Additionally, every individual who undergoes screening for sickle cell disease will be issued a sickle cell card added Mandaviya.

The distribution of approximately 3.57 crore Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) cards in Madhya Pradesh will be initiated by the Prime Minister. The distribution ceremony for the Ayushman cards is planned to take place at various locations, including urban bodies, gram panchayats, and development blocks throughout the state.