Latest news with #NSCAEM
Hans India
6 hours ago
- Health
- Hans India
Sickle Cell elimination mission tackling genetic disorder to ensure equity, dignity: PMO
New Delhi: The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM) is aimed at tackling the genetic disorder to ensure equity and dignity to the people affected, the Prime Minister's Office said on Tuesday. In a post shared on the social media platform X, the PMO lauded a media article by Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on NSCAEM, aiming for a Sickle Cell Disease-free India by 2047. 'From tackling a genetic disorder to ensuring equity and dignity, India's National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission marks a new era in public health,' the PMO India posted on the social media platform X. Sickle Cell Disease is a chronic, single-gene disorder that causes a debilitating systemic syndrome characterised by chronic anaemia, acute painful episodes, organ infarction, and chronic organ damage, significantly reducing life expectancy. The genetic blood disorder affects the entire life of the patient, as it leads to various severe health complications. 'India's fight against sickle cell anaemia is not just about addressing a genetic disorder, it is a commitment to equity, dignity and the health of our nation's most marginalised communities,' Nadda shared on X. Calling NSCAEM a 'landmark initiative', the Union Health Minister said it not only aims 'to stop the transmission of sickle cell disease but also to restore dignity and health to millions living with this condition'. To eliminate the disease, the NSCAEM was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July 2023. The mission aims to eliminate sickle cell disease as a public health problem in India before 2047 by universal screening of 7 crore individuals aged 0-40 years in affected tribal areas by FY 2025-26. 'As India moves with determination towards the 2047 goal of eliminating SCD, the NSCAEM stands as a beacon of hope, showing what can be achieved when the government, healthcare professionals, and communities work together for a common cause,' Nadda said. Nadda's article highlighted the government's initiatives from mass screening and early diagnosis to awareness campaigns and improved treatment access with a focus on tribal communities most affected. Earlier this month, Nadda informed the Parliament that more than 6 crore people have been screened for sickle cell anaemia in the country. Of this, 2.16 lakh have been identified as diseased. He noted that the screenings under the mission were conducted in 17 states. Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in a post on X shared how its low-cost Point-of-Contact device is enabling wider screening of Sickle Cell patients. 'Validation of a low-cost PoC device for #SickleCellAnaemia screening cut the price from Rs 100 to Rs 28, enabling wider reach in tribal areas. Proud to contribute to advancing India's commitment to health equity,' the ICMR posted on X.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
A comprehensive effort to contain sickle cell disease
Many within India's tribal communities have been silently battling the debilitating genetic disorder known as Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). For decades, this condition has taken a toll on their health and socioeconomic development, exacerbated further by geographic isolation and limited access to health care. Recognising this dire need, the Union government launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM) in July 2023. This groundbreaking initiative seeks to not only eliminate sickle cell genetic transmission but also restore dignity and health to millions affected by this condition. In its first two years, the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission has yielded remarkable results, with joint efforts of MoHFW and the states, with over 60.7 million individuals have been screened across more than 300 districts in 17 high-prevalence states. (HT Archive) Sickle cell disease alters the shape of red blood cells, impairing their oxygen-carrying capacity and leading to severe health complications over time. Among tribal populations, the impact is profound, as they are disproportionately affected by this genetic disorder. According to Global Burden of Disease figures (2021), an estimated 82,500 births with SCD occur in India. The National Health Policy 2017 laid the groundwork for addressing this crisis. Building on this, the 2023 budget announced the NSCAEM, setting a target to screen 70 million individuals under 40 years by FY26. The activity was implemented under the ministry of health and family welfare (MoHFW), making it one of the largest population-based genetic screening programmes globally. The mission also aims to eliminate genetic transmission of SCD by 2047 while providing comprehensive care to those already afflicted. In its first two years, this mission has yielded remarkable results, with joint efforts of MoHFW and the states. As on July 31, over 60.7 million individuals have been screened across more than 300 districts in 17 high-prevalence states. Among those screened, 216,000 individuals were found to suffer from the disease, while 1.69 million were identified as carriers. Analysis reveals that 95% of cases are concentrated in five states: Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra. The story of Meena, a young tribal girl from Nawapara Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, is emblematic of the mission's impact. Diagnosed during the screening drive, Meena was enrolled in a nearby health sub-centre. The trained Community Health Officer (CHO), auxiliary nurse midwife (ANM) and ASHA worker at the sub-centre ensured that she had access to free hydroxyurea, the drug that significantly alleviated the symptoms of SCD. Today, Meena leads a healthier life and is an advocate for genetic counselling in her community. To accelerate screening efforts, point-of-care (PoC) diagnostic devices approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have been deployed. Initially limited to three, the number of approved kits has now expanded to over 30, reducing costs dramatically from ₹100 to ₹28 per kit. This initiative has ensured cost-effective and efficient diagnostic capabilities. The implementation of this mission is not solely focused on screening; it prioritises holistic care for individuals diagnosed with SCD. Management interventions under the mission include free health care services with access to essential medicines and diagnostics, hydroxyurea, a key drug for managing SCD, is added to the National Essential Drug list (EDL). The mission also emphasises genetic counselling and public awareness as pivotal strategies for eliminating SCD. Over 26.2 million genetic status cards have been distributed, empowering individuals with critical health information. SCD cards have become a vital tool for informed decision-making, enabling families to make choices that reduce the risk of genetic transmission. Fifteen health care institutions/medical colleges have been selected to establish Centres of Excellence (CoEs), as per guidelines laid down by the MoHFW, and funding support from the ministry of tribal affairs. These institutions focus on prenatal diagnosis and management of severe SCD complications, ensuring specialised care for at-risk families. Additionally, a National Level Training of Trainers (ToT) programme organised in October 2024 has equipped health care professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to address the complexities of SCD management effectively. The success of NSCAEM is underpinned by the whole-of-government approach, by which MoHFW is involving the tribal affairs, social justice & empowerment, education, and women & child development ministries. This inter-ministerial coordination ensures holistic implementation, addressing the socio-cultural and geographic dimensions of tribal health. Research-backed interventions, supported by the department of health research of the MoHFW, have further enhanced cost-effectiveness and patient outcomes. While the achievements are commendable, MoHFW has now shifted focus to future priorities for the mission. The immediate focus will be on expanding genetic counselling, public awareness campaigns, and distribution of genetic status cards. Leveraging community-level platforms will be crucial in ensuring that every carrier and diseased individual receives the care and support they need. Enhanced research efforts will provide actionable insights to refine interventions further. The true spirit of this mission lies in its motto: 'Supporting our fighters, strengthening our survivors, and standing by our warriors.' By combining political will, scientific innovation, and grassroots implementation, India is poised to eliminate sickle cell anaemia and transform the lives of millions. As India strides confidently towards its 2047 goal of eliminating SCD, the NSCAEM stands as a beacon of hope. It exemplifies what can be achieved when government, healthcare professionals, and communities unite for a common cause. India's fight against sickle cell anaemia is not just about combating a genetic disorder — it is a commitment to equity, dignity, and the health of our nation's most marginalised groups. With the experience of individuals like Meena guiding the way, the mission serves as a testament to the transformative power of targeted health care initiatives, marking a historic leap in addressing tribal health challenges. Jagat Prakash Nadda is the Union minister for health and family welfare. The views expressed are personal.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Out of 6 cr people screened in 17 states, Sickle Cell Disease found in 2.16 lakh: JP Nadda in LS
New Delhi: Union Health Minister J P Nadda informed the Lok Sabha on Friday that 6.04 crore people in the 17 identified tribal-dominated states, including Maharashtra, have been screened for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) till July 28, out of which 2,16,118 have been confirmed as diseased. Replying to a question, the health minister said the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Madhya Pradesh on July 1, 2023 to eliminate SCD. The objectives of the mission are provision of affordable, accessible and quality care to all SCD patients, reduction in the prevalence of the disease through awareness creation, targeted screening of seven crore people till 2025-26 in the age group of 0-40 years in the affected districts of tribal areas and counselling through collaborative efforts of central ministries and state governments, he said. Screenings are conducted under NSCAEM at all health facilities from district hospitals up to Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) level, Nadda said, adding, "As on 28.07.2025, a total of 6,04,50,683 population in the 17 identified tribal dominated states including Maharashtra have been screened, out of which 2,16,118 have been confirmed as diseased." Patients living with SCD are provided with services and facilities to improve their quality of life through AAMs, which include follow-up of individuals with the disease at frequent intervals, counselling regarding lifestyle management, pre-marriage and pre-natal decisions, nutritional supplementation support through the distribution of folic acid tablets, and management of crisis symptoms, as well as referral to higher-level facilities. As of July 28, 2,62,67,997 genetic counselling ID cards have been distributed in the country, Nadda said. Hydroxyurea has been included in the National Health Mission (NHM) Essential Drugs List at Sub-Health Centres, Primary Health Centres (PHC), Urban PHC, Community Health Centres (CHC) and District Hospitals to address the issue of access to medicine, the minister said. Under NHM, financial support is provided for the procurement of Hydroxyurea, to reduce the out-of-pocket expenditure borne by sickle cell anaemia patients. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has issued guidelines for cost norms for the establishment of centres of excellence (CoE) on SCD funded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) in various states. To date, 15 CoEs have been approved in the country by MoTA, Nadda informed. Through MoTA, awareness and counselling material have been developed and disseminated to the states and Union Territories (UTs). Through monthly Ayushman Arogya Shivirs, awareness is raised for various health programmes including SCD. The ministry provides technical and financial support to the states and UTs for conducting screenings and procurement of drugs for sickle cell anaemia, based on the proposals received in the form of programme implementation plans (PIPs) under NHM.
Economic Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Out of 6 cr people screened in 17 states, Sickle Cell Disease found in 2.16 lakh: JP Nadda in LS
IANS More than 6 crore people have been screened for sickle cell anaemia in the country, of which 2.16 lakh have been identified as diseased, Union Health Minister JP Nadda informed the Parliament on Friday. Union Health Minister J P Nadda informed the Lok Sabha on Friday that 6.04 crore people in the 17 identified tribal-dominated states, including Maharashtra, have been screened for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) till July 28, out of which 2,16,118 have been confirmed as diseased. Replying to a question, the health minister said the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Madhya Pradesh on July 1, 2023 to eliminate SCD. The objectives of the mission are provision of affordable, accessible and quality care to all SCD patients, reduction in the prevalence of the disease through awareness creation, targeted screening of seven crore people till 2025-26 in the age group of 0-40 years in the affected districts of tribal areas and counselling through collaborative efforts of central ministries and state governments, he said. Screenings are conducted under NSCAEM at all health facilities from district hospitals up to Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) level, Nadda said, adding, "As on 28.07.2025, a total of 6,04,50,683 population in the 17 identified tribal dominated states including Maharashtra have been screened, out of which 2,16,118 have been confirmed as diseased." Patients living with SCD are provided with services and facilities to improve their quality of life through AAMs, which include follow-up of individuals with the disease at frequent intervals, counselling regarding lifestyle management, pre-marriage and pre-natal decisions, nutritional supplementation support through the distribution of folic acid tablets, and management of crisis symptoms, as well as referral to higher-level facilities. As of July 28, 2,62,67,997 genetic counselling ID cards have been distributed in the country, Nadda said. Hydroxyurea has been included in the National Health Mission (NHM) Essential Drugs List at Sub-Health Centres, Primary Health Centres (PHC), Urban PHC, Community Health Centres (CHC) and District Hospitals to address the issue of access to medicine, the minister said. Under NHM, financial support is provided for the procurement of Hydroxyurea, to reduce the out-of-pocket expenditure borne by sickle cell anaemia patients. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has issued guidelines for cost norms for the establishment of centres of excellence (CoE) on SCD funded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) in various states. To date, 15 CoEs have been approved in the country by MoTA, Nadda informed. Through MoTA, awareness and counselling material have been developed and disseminated to the states and Union Territories (UTs). Through monthly Ayushman Arogya Shivirs, awareness is raised for various health programmes including SCD. The ministry provides technical and financial support to the states and UTs for conducting screenings and procurement of drugs for sickle cell anaemia, based on the proposals received in the form of programme implementation plans (PIPs) under NHM.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Out of 6 cr people screened in 17 states, Sickle Cell Disease found in 2.16 lakh: JP Nadda in LS
Union Health Minister J P Nadda informed the Lok Sabha on Friday that 6.04 crore people in the 17 identified tribal-dominated states, including Maharashtra, have been screened for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) till July 28, out of which 2,16,118 have been confirmed as diseased. Replying to a question, the health minister said the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Madhya Pradesh on July 1, 2023 to eliminate SCD. Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program The objectives of the mission are provision of affordable, accessible and quality care to all SCD patients, reduction in the prevalence of the disease through awareness creation, targeted screening of seven crore people till 2025-26 in the age group of 0-40 years in the affected districts of tribal areas and counselling through collaborative efforts of central ministries and state governments, he said. Screenings are conducted under NSCAEM at all health facilities from district hospitals up to Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) level, Nadda said, adding, "As on 28.07.2025, a total of 6,04,50,683 population in the 17 identified tribal dominated states including Maharashtra have been screened, out of which 2,16,118 have been confirmed as diseased." Patients living with SCD are provided with services and facilities to improve their quality of life through AAMs, which include follow-up of individuals with the disease at frequent intervals, counselling regarding lifestyle management, pre-marriage and pre-natal decisions, nutritional supplementation support through the distribution of folic acid tablets, and management of crisis symptoms, as well as referral to higher-level facilities. Live Events As of July 28, 2,62,67,997 genetic counselling ID cards have been distributed in the country, Nadda said. Hydroxyurea has been included in the National Health Mission (NHM) Essential Drugs List at Sub-Health Centres, Primary Health Centres (PHC), Urban PHC, Community Health Centres (CHC) and District Hospitals to address the issue of access to medicine, the minister said. Under NHM, financial support is provided for the procurement of Hydroxyurea, to reduce the out-of-pocket expenditure borne by sickle cell anaemia patients. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has issued guidelines for cost norms for the establishment of centres of excellence (CoE) on SCD funded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) in various states. To date, 15 CoEs have been approved in the country by MoTA, Nadda informed. Through MoTA, awareness and counselling material have been developed and disseminated to the states and Union Territories (UTs). Through monthly Ayushman Arogya Shivirs, awareness is raised for various health programmes including SCD. The ministry provides technical and financial support to the states and UTs for conducting screenings and procurement of drugs for sickle cell anaemia, based on the proposals received in the form of programme implementation plans (PIPs) under NHM.
