Ministry of Tribal Affairs has taken several steps to prevent the prevalence of sickle cell anaemia. Sickle Cell Disease is a genetic blood disorder affecting the tribal population in Central, Western and Southern India.

 The Ministry of Tribal Affairs had given funds for screening tribal students in collaboration with ICMR. Workshops have been conducted in States in collaboration with the Department of Biotechnology for mapping of incidences of Sickle Cell Trait. Out of the 1,13,83,664 persons screened as reported by various States, about 8.75% (9,96,368) tested positive (Trait –949057, Disease – 47311).

Public Health is a state subject and the Ministry of Health and Family welfare is the sectoral ministry for all health issues, including sickle cell. National Health Mission has prepared a comprehensive guideline to control and prevent Haemoglobinopathies, including Sickle Cell Disease, and has disseminated the same to the states. This includes prenatal diagnosis, counselling and setting up of early intervention centres to prevent and treat the complications arising from the disease. At present, there is no permanent cure for the disease. However, with good management of disease, severity and complications can be curtailed to improve the quality of life and life span of the people suffering from the disease.

In consultation with the Department of Health Research, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has circulated advisories on Sickle Cell Disease with a protocol for premarital counselling of people with sickle cell trait (carrier). A total of about Rs. 60 crore has been released to the states seeking grants to tackle Sickle Cell Anaemia, including screening.

 Sickle Cell disease can be eliminated only if a mass awareness campaign is started and there is the participation of states, elected representatives, teachers and medical staff at schools and college levels. Dedicated Health Cell has been established in the Ministry for ensuring the STC component of Health is utilized effectively. Ministry has asked States to submit proposals for funding for basic Infrastructure- as per ready Reckoner and a letter from Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs to Chief Secretaries of States. Ministry has also taken up the issue of disability certificate issued to SCD patients with Department of Empowerment pf person with disabilities, who have notified that Disability Certificate for than 80% disability would be valid for 3 years

This information was given by the Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Smt. Renuka Singh Saruta in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.