Published on: June 26, 2025
✍By Suryavanshi IAS
Introduction
In a landmark effort under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM) launched in 2023, India has screened over 5.72 crore people, identifying 2.09 lakh patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and 16.3 lakh carriers. This mission is critical to India's public health landscape—especially due to the high prevalence of SCD among tribal populations.
What is Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)?
SCD is a genetic
blood disorder where red
blood cells (RBCs) become rigid
and sickle-shaped, impairing their ability to carry oxygen.
This leads to:
·
Chronic
pain and fatigue
·
Organ
damage
·
Increased
risk of infection
·
Delayed
growth in children
It is inherited and cannot be cured, but early diagnosis and medication like hydroxyurea can significantly improve life quality.
NSCAEM: Vision & Implementation
Launched
by:
Prime
Minister Narendra Modi, 2023
Objectives:
·
Screen 7
crore people (under age 40) in 17 high-burden States/UTs
by 2025-26
·
Identify trait
carriers and patients
·
Ensure early
diagnosis, timely
treatment, and awareness
generation
Focus
States:
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Rajasthan — with emphasis on Scheduled Tribes (STs)
Why Is the Focus on Tribal Populations?
Over 50% of India’s SCD cases are in
tribal regions.
Challenges:
·
Traditional
medicine preference
·
Mistrust
in modern health systems
·
Geographical
inaccessibility
·
Social
stigma
·
Poor
awareness of genetic inheritance
Dr. Manisha Madkaikar (ICMR) rightly emphasised universal screening and prenatal care, especially for pregnant women and newborns, as key to controlling SCD.
Success Stories on Ground
Ganesh V. Dante from Chandrapur, Maharashtra, discovered his 7-year-old son's condition only through mass screening under NSCAEM. Today, the child is receiving treatment and attending school—an inspiring example of how access changes lives.
India's Gaps & What More is Needed
·
No dynamic national
registry
·
Lack
of comprehensive care centres
·
Need
for specialised diagnostic labs & trained staff
· Social stigma prevents early treatment
Relevance for UPSC
Prelims
:
Keywords:
Sickle Cell Disease, NSCAEM, hydroxyurea, National Health Mission, tribal
health, genetic disorder
Sample MCQ:
Q.
Which of the following statements about Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is correct?
A) It is caused by a virus
B) It can be cured with antibiotics
C) It is a genetic blood disorder mainly affecting red blood cells
D) It spreads through contaminated water
Correct Answer: C
Mains – GS II / GS III
Theme:
Health, Governance, Vulnerable Sections, Tribal Issues
Sample Q:
Q.
"The burden of sickle cell anaemia in India underscores the need for
tribal health justice and inclusive public health policy." Discuss in the
context of NSCAEM.
Points for Answer:
·
Define SCD and its impact
·
Role of NSCAEM and NHM
·
Need for awareness, early screening, and genetic
counselling
·
Importance of health infrastructure in tribal
areas
·
Role of civil society and local administration
· Need for national registry and specialised care
Way Forward
1.
Expand
outreach through ASHA and health workers
2.
Integrate
genetic counselling with school and ANC programmes
3.
Combat
social stigma via tribal leaders and media
4.
Establish
SCD Centres of Excellence in high-prevalence zones
5. Build dynamic real-time data registries for disease tracking
Conclusion
India’s fight against Sickle Cell Anaemia reflects a broader struggle for inclusive healthcare. With sustained political will, community-based strategies, and investment in public health, India can not only eliminate SCD but also empower its most vulnerable citizens.
Prepared by:
Suryavanshi IAS –
Foundation for Civil Services Excellence
Empowering Aspirants with
Current-Affairs-Driven Insights
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