Bhubaneswar: Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena chaired a preparatory meeting on sickle cell disease Tuesday ahead of World Sickle Cell Day, June 19. On this occasion, the government announced holding a 15-day sickle cell disease (SCD) screening and awareness across 21 districts in the state. The initiative will start June 19 and conclude July 3, officials said. While the ST and SC Development department will oversee the activities, the Health Department will conduct SCD screening camps at primary and community health centres, they informed. “To create awareness about the disease, house-to-house campaigns will be organised to reach out to 5 lakh families. Sickle cell genetic status cards will also be distributed to beneficiaries” officials informed. SCD is a chronic single-gene disorder causing a debilitating systemic syndrome characterised by chronic anaemia, acute painful episodes, organ infarction and chronic organ damage and by a significant reduction in life expectancy.
ARINDAM GANGULY, OP
