Bhubaneswar, 20 August (H.S.): Odisha Health and Family Welfare Secretary Aswathy S. has directed officials to intensify the drive against Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and Thalassemia, especially in high-risk zones across the State. The directive came during a high-level review meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan, where Mission Director, NHM, Dr. Brundha D. presented the progress and key issues related to disease management under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission.
Dr. Brundha informed that 21 districts of Odisha namely Angul, Balangir, Balasore, Bargarh, Boudh, Deogarh, Gajapati, Ganjam, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Keonjhar, Koraput, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Rayagada, Sambalpur, Subarnapur, and Sundargarh have been covered under the programme. Multiple screening platforms are in place, including school and Anganwadi centres (for children aged 0–18), antenatal care during village health and nutrition days (for pregnant women), mobile health units in tribal areas, and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in urban zones.
Screening has also been extended to health centres in nine additional low-risk districts. Since the programme’s launch in July 2023, over 46.65 lakh individuals have been screened against a cumulative target of 1.08 crore by 2025-26. So far, 97,501 SCD cases and 4,11,395 carriers (traits) have been identified and are being treated at government hospitals.
The State has implemented a range of support measures for SCD patients. Each registered patient receives ₹500 per month for transportation, free blood units and medications, and is exempt from service charges for blood packs. Additionally, children under 12 years of age are eligible for financial assistance up to ₹10 lakh for bone marrow transplants.
The meeting was attended by Special Secretary Health & Family Welfare Dr. Bijaya Mohapatra, Special Secretary Smt. Smita Biswal, Dr. Jitendra Bebarta, Director of Family Welfare Dr. Biswamohan Mishra, Additional Secretary Srikanta Majhi, and other senior officials.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
