Team Blitz India
MUMBAI: The Maharashtra state health department has broadened the spectrum of medical care for patients, including the prevention of sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder.
Following a directive from the Central Government, the state will now offer a genetic card for registering patients with sickle cell disease.
The state has reported over 15,000 patients as of February 20. The ‘genetic card’ will contain records of carriers, suspects, and general patients of this disease.
“Counselors will use this information to guide the selection of partners based on the medical condition of the person with sickle cell disease, considering the risk of the disease spreading to the next generation,” said an official of Maharashtra health department.
Maharashtra is one of the 17 high-prevalence states in India where the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM) is being implemented.
