Madhya Pradesh Governor orders school-based sickle cell disease screening

Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel has directed officials to prioritize the screening of children for sickle cell disease by organizing camps in primary schools and Anganwadi centers. This directive came during a review of the ‘National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission 2047’ and the ‘National Tuberculosis Elimination Program’ at Lok Bhavan.

The Governor emphasized the importance of early screening to identify children affected by the genetic disorder or those with the sickle cell trait to ensure they receive proper counseling and follow-up care. He also called for increased involvement from public representatives and urged officials to collaborate with MPs and MLAs to secure resources for health camps.

Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla reported that 1.34 crore people have already been screened in the state, with 92 percent of those individuals receiving genetic status cards. Additionally, 4,825 ‘Sickle Mitras’ have been established as part of awareness campaigns. Shukla noted that the tuberculosis recovery rate in Madhya Pradesh has reached 89 percent, accompanied by a decrease in mortality rates.