Extending Ayushman Bharat
- Continuous efforts are being made by the Government of India to ensure that the benefits of the country’s advanced healthcare facilities reach every individual, even those on the bottom rungs of the social ladder.
Sickle cell disease
- A genetic disorder in which a person’s red blood cells become distorted and take on a sickle-like shape.
- Prevalence: This disease is commonly found among tribal communities.
- Exists in two forms within the human body
- Sickle Cell trait: In it, the individual does not exhibit any disease or symptoms, and lives a normal life.
- Presence of symptoms related to sickle cell disease.
- Most affected states: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra
- Partial Prevalence: Bihar, Assam, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh
- Problems from the disease: Persistent pain, fatigue, and anaemia
Efforts to eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia
- Focus on prevention: It ensures that new cases are not born
- Managing the treatment: It can be done by providing adequate healthcare facilities for individuals already affected by the disease.
Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission 2047
- Joint collaboration of Ministry of Health, Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the states: Formulating plan to screen ~ 70 million individuals aged 0-40 years belonging to tribal and other groups residing in ~ 200 districts of 17 states within the next few years to eliminate Sickle Cell disease by 2047.
- Provision of smart cards: After screening, individuals will be provided with smart cards in their local language, enabling prospective partners to easily determine whether their future children will be affected by Sickle Cell disease or not.
- Establishing monitoring mechanisms: These will be established at various levels to ensure participation and bring awareness on a large scale.
- Regular testing and screening: The patients will receive treatment and medication, vaccinations for other diseases, dietary support etc.
- Govt’s support: Government has allocated a sufficient budget, utilised advanced technology, provided training, ensured necessary infrastructure, and made efforts in social awareness to combat this disease.
- Role of Ayushman Bharat scheme: The country has established a network of 1.6 lakh Health and Wellness Centres since 2018 which will also play a significant role in eradicating sickle cell disease along with other diseases.
- Web portal: A web portal has been created using digital technology to track and maintain a complete record of sickle cell patients.