Chhattisgarh screens 1.65 crore people for sickle cell disease

Chhattisgarh has screened nearly 1.65 crore residents for sickle cell disease , with all records uploaded to the Union government’s central portal, state officials said on Sunday, underscoring the scale of the state’s public health intervention against the inherited blood disorder.

The screening drive has identified more than 3.35 lakh people as carriers of the sickle cell gene , while 27,135 individuals have been confirmed as patients . According to the state government, all diagnosed patients are receiving free medication, counselling and long-term medical supervision through public health facilities.

The large-scale effort is aligned with the Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission , launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 1, 2023 , which seeks to remove sickle cell disease as a public health concern in India by 2047 . In line with national objectives, Chhattisgarh has focused its screening on the 0-40 age group , issuing sickle cell identity cards to ensure continuity of care and monitoring.

Sickle cell disease is a hereditary blood condition in which red blood cells assume an abnormal crescent shape, impairing oxygen flow in the body. The disorder can cause chronic anemia, intense pain episodes, repeated infections and progressive organ damage, making it a potentially life-threatening condition without regular treatment. While the disease is not new to India, it has historically remained under-reported, particularly among tribal and economically marginalised communities across central and western states.

Medical experts note that sickle cell disease has existed in India for decades and is not the result of any recent spread, as it is passed down genetically. Increased screening and awareness in recent years have revealed the true burden of the condition, prompting governments to treat it as a long-term public health priority rather than an isolated medical issue.

The Chhattisgarh Health and Family Welfare Department said it has significantly strengthened treatment infrastructure. Over the last two years, the use of hydroxyurea , a critical drug for managing sickle cell disease, has risen from about one lakh capsules to nearly five lakh capsules in government hospitals, indicating improved access to essential medication.

Officials said 5,232 patients were actively monitored over the past year , leading to fewer pain crises and a reduced need for blood transfusions. In addition, the state provides free quarterly blood tests, along with liver and kidney function assessments, for all registered patients.

A milestone has been achieved in Jashpur district , which has become the first district in the country to complete 100 per cent screening of its eligible population for sickle cell disease, the statement said.

To ensure a humane and inclusive approach, the state government has also begun issuing disability certificates to eligible patients in accordance with existing guidelines. Patients are being provided with treatment charts, information booklets and pain management protocols to help them manage the condition more effectively.

Further specialised care is in the pipeline with the development of a Sickle Cell Centre of Competence at AIIMS Raipur , where advanced facilities such as bone marrow transplantation, genetic testing and prenatal diagnostic procedures, including chorionic villus sampling (CVS) , are expected to be introduced.

Officials said the sustained focus on early detection, treatment and counselling marks a decisive move towards tackling a disease that has affected generations, and will contribute significantly to India’s goal of building a healthier population by 2047 .