Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the National Sickle Cell Anemia Eradication Mission (NSCAEM) 2047 in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh. The mission is dedicated to addressing the urgent health challenges posed by sickle cell disease, particularly among India’s tribal population. Alongside the launch, PM Modi unveiled a disease management portal, released guidelines, and introduced monitoring modules to facilitate effective control.
The NSCAEM takes a comprehensive approach to tackle sickle cell disease, recognizing its impact not only on patients but also on their families. The mission integrates screening and awareness strategies to ensure early detection and treatment while promoting education about the disease. A key objective of the mission is to identify individuals with sickle cell trait, thus preventing the unintentional transmission of the disease to future generations. Over the next three years, an ambitious screening initiative aims to examine approximately 70 million individuals under the age of 40.
In addition, PM Modi initiated the nationwide distribution of over 30 million digital Ayushman cards, with an additional 10 million PVC Ayushman Bharat cards specifically allocated to Madhya Pradesh. These cards grant beneficiaries access to health insurance coverage worth ₹5 lakh, ensuring affordable and high-quality medical treatment. The Ayushman Card serves as a guarantee backed by the government, offering financial security for healthcare expenses.
Sickle cell disease (SCD), also known as sickle cell anemia, is a genetic blood disorder that affects the structure and function of red blood cells. It is an inherited condition caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene, which is responsible for producing the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. This disorder leads to a distressing systemic condition characterized by persistent anemia, episodes of intense pain, organ infarction, chronic organ impairment, and a significant reduction in life expectancy.
The National Sickle Cell Anemia Eradication Mission (NSCAEM) aims to address the pressing health challenges posed by sickle cell disease through the implementation of disease management guidelines and monitoring modules. Furthermore, the distribution of Ayushman cards aims to alleviate healthcare obstacles faced by the tribal population. India bears nearly half of the global sickle cell disease cases, primarily affecting the tribal population. By launching this mission, the government is committed to eliminating sickle cell anemia from the country by 2047, adopting a mission mode approach.
World Sickle Cell Awareness Day: June 19