Sickle Cell Screening Among World’s Largest: President Murmu
President highlights early achievement of screening target, calls for collective efforts to eliminate disease
- President Droupadi Murmu attended International Sickle Cell Day commemoration in Omkareshwar.
- Seven crore people have been screened under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission.
- Around 2.5 lakh patients and over 20 lakh carriers have been identified through the mission.
- President praised Centre and states for expanding awareness, screening and healthcare support.
GG News Bureau
Omkareshwar, 19th June: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday participated in the International Sickle Cell Day commemoration at Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh and said that the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission is one of the largest initiatives for genetic disease screening in the world.
Addressing the gathering, the President said the achievement of the screening target ahead of schedule marks a significant milestone in India’s healthcare sector. She noted that screening seven crore people, including newborns and individuals up to 40 years of age, is a remarkable accomplishment.
President Murmu said that the mission-mode screening has helped identify approximately 2.5 lakh people affected by sickle cell disease and more than 20 lakh carriers. She emphasised the need to address the challenges associated with such a large number of carriers and ensure continued medical support.
She appreciated the efforts of the Central and State governments for identifying patients and carriers while ensuring their proper treatment and care. The President also highlighted Madhya Pradesh’s contribution through the “Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan”, under which more than four lakh women were screened between September 17 and October 2, 2025.
Referring to the “Sickle Mitra” initiative launched by the Madhya Pradesh government, she said trained volunteers, representatives of institutions and NCC cadets are helping spread awareness and support patients affected by the disease.
Expressing confidence in the collective efforts of all states and stakeholders, President Murmu said India would achieve its national goal of eliminating sickle cell-related diseases well before 2047.
