Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic single gene disorder causing a debilitating systemic syndrome characterized by chronic anemia, acute painful episodes, organ infarction and chronic organ damage and by a significant reduction in life expectancy. Under National Health Mission, Government of India supports the states for prevention and management of sickle cell disease as per their annual PIP proposals. The Ministry has also released technical operational guidelines for prevention and control of hemoglobinopathies in 2016 including sickle cell anemia. Further in terms of treatment, support is given under NHM for capsule hydroxyurea, free blood transfusion for all Sickle cell patients (men & women) as per State’s proposal.

In the union budget of FY 2023-24, it is announced to launch a mission to eliminate sickle cell anemia by 2047. The mission entails focus on awareness creation, universal screening of approximately seven crore people in the 0-40 years age group in affected tribal areas and counselling through collaborative efforts of central ministries and state governments.

State Haemoglobinopathy Mission has been established in Madhya Pradesh to tackle the challenges in screening and management of sickle cell disease. A pilot project launched by Honourable Prime Minister on 15th November 2021 for screening in Jhabua and Alirajpur district of M.P and 89 tribal blocks included in Second Phase of Project. As reported by state, total 993114 persons have been screened. Out of whom 18866 have been detected HbAS (Sickle Trait) and 1506 (HbSS sickle diseased). Further, state government has established Integrated Centre for Hemophilia and Heoglobinopathies in 22 Tribal District for treatment and diagnose of patients.

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.