NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, on July 1 and distributed sickle cell genetic status cards to the beneficiaries.
The Prime Minister also kickstarted the distribution of about 3.57 crore Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) cards in the State.
Addressing the gathering, he said from the land of Shahdol, the nation is taking a big pledge of securing the lives of the tribal people and saving the lives of 2.5 lakh children and families that are affected by the disease. PM Modi underlined the painful symptoms and genetic origin of sickle cell anaemia.
He said this campaign will become a key mission of the Amrit Kaal and hoped to free the tribal communities and the country from the menace by 2047.
PM Modi underlined the need for a coordinated approach of governments, health personnel and tribals in eradicating the disease. He said that blood banks are being established, arrangement for bone marrow transplant is being enhanced and screening of sickle cell anaemia is being revamped. He asked the people to come forward for screening.
The Prime Minister said the disease affects the entire family as the it pushes the family into the web of penury. The Prime Minister lamented the fact that no attention was paid towards this issue for the past 70 years even though more than 50 per cent of sickle cell anaemia cases in the world are in India.
