President Droupadi Murmu has expressed confidence that India would eradicate sickle cell disease well before its national target year of 2047. She has called for concerted efforts to raise awareness about the genetic blood disorder, particularly among tribal communities. The President was addressing a state-level programme at Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh on the occasion of World Sickle Cell Day today. Governor Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav were also present on the occasion.
President Murmu appealed to all state governments and officials not to take the disease lightly because it is passed on from one generation to another. She said efforts should be made to eradicate it because treatment is possible.
The President praised the state government for its achievements under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission. The President said, the state has made significant progress on several fronts under the mission. The President noted that one of the key goals set at the launch of the National Mission in 2023 was large-scale screening, and it is a matter of satisfaction that the target has been achieved ahead of schedule.
During the programme, President Murmu visited a special exhibition set up under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission 2047. The exhibition showcased various initiatives related to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of sickle cell disease.
Departments including Tribal Affairs, Scheduled Caste Welfare, Medical Education, Public Health and AYUSH presented information on healthcare services, awareness campaigns and welfare schemes being implemented for sickle cell patients. The exhibition also highlighted the work of mobile medical units operating in tribal areas.
Officials briefed the President about screening campaigns, genetic counselling services, free treatment facilities, as well as digital platforms and future plans under the mission.
In the next phase of her visit, the President will travel to Rairangpur in Odisha, where she is scheduled to inaugurate several development projects.
