National mission uncovers 18.85 lakh sickle cell cases
As of now, six crore individuals have been screened against a target of seven crore. Sickle cell disease — also called sickle cell anemia — is a group of inherited disorders that affect hemoglobin, the major protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells.
Of those screened, 2.15 lakh individuals have been diagnosed with the disease, and 16.7 lakh have been identified as carriers. Health experts have flagged the numbers as concerning, especially given the chronic nature of the illness and the burden it places on affected tribal populations.
A total of 2.6 crore health cards have been distributed by states to facilitate continued monitoring and support, as per the statement by the Ministry.
Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Telangana, Karnataka, and Uttarakhand have reported remarkable progress in meeting their screening targets. However, the highest number of diagnosed cases has emerged from Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat — indicating high disease prevalence in these regions.
Screening is being carried out using validated Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) kits that allow for rapid and confirmatory diagnosis. A centralised digital dashboard and SCD portal have been established to consolidate data and improve coordination among states, says the statement.
The Mission, inaugurated on July 1, 2023, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, seeks to eliminate sickle cell anemia by 2047. It envisions universal screening of seven crore individuals aged 0–40 years in tribal and high-burden districts by FY 2025–26, supported by robust awareness campaigns and counselling services.
Health authorities have underscored the need for intensified outreach, sustained counselling, and follow-up mechanisms for those diagnosed. The large number of affected individuals now identified underscores both the scale of the challenge and the urgency of addressing it through integrated national and state-level health systems.
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