MP leads in ‘Sickle Cell’ screening goal with highest genetic card distribution

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh has set a precedent by becoming the first state in the country to surpass its annual target for sickle cell screening and distribute genetic status cards to beneficiaries under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Mission (NSCAM).

As of January 19, 2025, the state has achieved 100.05 percent of its target, with 90,98,902 screenings conducted, surpassing its revised target of 90,93,974 for the financial year 2024-25.

In addition to this significant achievement, Madhya Pradesh also leads in distributing sickle cell genetic cards, with 53,87,892 cards distributed, accounting for 59.21 percent of the total screenings conducted.

The success of Madhya Pradesh stands out in comparison to other states. For instance, Chhattisgarh has achieved 82.64 percent of its target, while Maharashtra and Odisha have reached 84.98 percent and 90.70 percent, respectively.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the NSCAM on July 1, 2023, from Madhya Pradesh’s Shahdol to eradicate the disease from the tribals across the country, prioritising the health of the communities.

Under the mission, the screening promotes early detection and treatment of Sickle Cell disease, raising awareness to prevent unintentional transmission to future generations.

The program aims to reduce health risks in tribal communities, focusing on 278 districts across 17 high-burden States/UTs, targeting individuals aged 0-40 to curb the genetic spread.

“Madhya Pradesh is committed to achieving PM Modi’s goal of eliminating sickle cell anaemia from the country by 2047. This milestone underscores the state’s commitment and efforts toward this objective,” said Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.

He also congratulated the concerned officials of the health department for

this achievement. The achievement is credited to PS of Public Health and ME Sandeep Yadav, who has ensured the mission maintains its momentum through consistent monitoring and review of progress in screening, card distribution and awareness.

Madhya Pradesh’s proactive approach has set a benchmark in the mission’s implementation, emphasising early screening and card distribution, serving as a model for other states to enhance the mission’s progress.