New Delhi, June 19 (UNI) In a major initiative to eradicate Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) by 2047, the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs has plans to establish excellence centres across 15 leading hospitals and also collaborate with AIIMS, Delhi to launch a national competition aimed at developing new treatment options for this debilitating genetic blood disorder.
With only one drug currently available for SCD management, this collaboration seeks to address the critical need for more effective therapies to combat the disease, which causes chronic anaemia, severe pain, organ damage, and a significantly reduced life expectancy, particularly among India’s tribal populations.
“The proposals selected in the competition will receive funding of up to Rs 10 crore for drug development. In parallel, the Ministry is establishing Centers of Competence (CoC) across 15 leading hospitals, including AIIMS, to enhance diagnostic and care facilities for the affected tribal communities,” said Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Durgadas Uikey, during the World Sickle Cell Day event at AIIMS here on Thursday.
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on July 1, 2023 to eliminate Sickle Cell Anemia from India by 2047, the Ministry has already initiated nationwide screening and testing programs aimed at combating the disease.
Vibhu Nayar, Secretary of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, emphasised that the CoCs aims to offer state-of-the-art diagnostic and management services for SCD, including ante-natal care. These centers, which will be operational by November 2023, will also facilitate referrals and provide specialized care to patients across the country.
Nayar further stated that one of the proposed centers may serve as a national reference point for tribal health at AIIMS, Delhi which could aid hospitals in tribal-dominated regions and explore the causes of malnutrition and its potential links to genetic factors.
“One national specialize reference center on tribal health could be set up in AIIMS New Delhi which could provide assistance to the hospitals located in tribal dominated areas in different states and districts, it could provide clues why malnutrition is occurring despite several measures, it has to examine whether it’s the genetic or any other reason,” the secretary added.
At the event, Minister Durgadas Uikey also interacted with patients of sickle cell anaemia and their families. As people from different parts of the country are currently residing and receiving treatment in Delhi, the Minister assured them of all support of Central and state governments. He also assured them about the free availability of all medicines associated with the management of SCD.
