Intensive Research Crucial for Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has said that Dindori will play a significant role in establishing the Herbal Park at official residence of Vice President at New Delhi. He stressed on undertaking intensive research works for treatment of sickle cell anemia. Shri Dhankhar said that awareness of sickle cell anemia requires coordinated efforts at all levels. A social movement is a must involving researchers, social workers, and doctors.

Shri Dhankhar expressed confidence that under the leadership of Governor Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Madhya Pradesh will continue to advance socially, economically, and culturally. Vice President Dhankhar was addressing the state-level World Sickle Cell Day-2024 program in Dindori. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Shukla welcomed the guests and briefed about the ongoing initiatives aimed at eradicating sickle cell anemia.

Governor Shri Patel, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav and Deputy Chief Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla, Panchayat and Rural and Labour Department Minister Shri Prahlad Patel, MP Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste and Smt. Sudesh Dhankhar, wife of Vice President Shri Dhankhar were present.

Tribal artists welcomed the Vice President. Vice President Shri Dhankhar gave the message of environmental protection by planting saplings at the venue. He visited the exhibition organized by Women and Child Development, Panchayat and Rural Development, Public Health and Family Welfare, AYUSH, and other departments.

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav welcomed Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar. Additionally, Dr. Yadav presented a Gond painting to the Vice President. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Shukla welcomed Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister Dr. Yadav. A short film highlighting efforts to control sickle cell anemia was screened.

Vice President Shri Dhankhar underlined the role tribes in Indian cultural and social fabric. The appointment of Smt. Draupadi Murmu as President will be recorded in the history. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the India's economy is witnessing rapid progress, surpassing countries like Brazil, Canada, England, and France. With the continued contributions of the tribal communities, India aims to surpass even Germany and Japan. Prime Minister Shri Modi has committed to transforming India into a developed nation by 2047 and completely eradicating sickle cell anemia.

Mission to eradicate sickle cell

Vice President Shri Dhankhar referred to Prime Minister Shri Modi's announcement he made from Shahdol district in July 2023, wherein the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission-2047 was launched. Stressing on collective efforts, he emphasized that the mission to eradicate sickle cell is underway and requires contributions from all. The government's vision is clear to address genetic diseases like sickle cell anemia with amended Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Addressing the holistic approach to eradication, Vice President Shri Dhankhar commended the state government's leadership. He apprised himself of abundant biodiversity and medicinal plants in Dindori and neighboring districts. He underscored the special provisions for tribes in the Indian Constitution, highlighting the vast mineral resources in tribal areas. Special initiatives by Prime Minister Shri Modi for the development of these tribal areas have been acknowledged.

Dr. Yadav's Leadership commended

Vice President Shri Dhankhar acknowledged Chief Minister Dr. Yadav's focus, highlighting the priority placed on eradicating sickle cell disease and advancing tribal development from the onset. The choice of Jabalpur for the inaugural Cabinet meeting underscores Dr. Yadav's commitment to tribal welfare, while his decision on loudspeaker usage reflects sensitivity. Under Dr. Yadav's leadership, Madhya Pradesh will continue to lead.

Co-ordinated Efforts of Centre- State Govt.

Governor Shri Patel stated that Madhya Pradesh is home to a tribal population near to 1 crore 90 lakh. Over 55 lakh individuals have undergone screening, revealing 1 lakh 20 thousand 935 carriers of sickle cell anemia in its initial stage, with over 18 thousand confirmed patients. Given its genetic nature, future generations remain vulnerable. Prime Minister Shri Modi has allocated Rs 15 thousand crore in the Central Budget for disease prevention and related initiatives.

Both Central and State Governments are making coordinated efforts to eradicate sickle cell anemia. Governor Shri Patel emphasized the necessity for targeted awareness campaigns within tribal communities and highlighted primary preventive measures against the disease.

State govt. committed to development in tribal areas

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav reiterated the state government's unwavering commitment to eliminating sickle cell anemia. In addition to raising awareness, comprehensive measures including screening, treatment, and medicine distribution have been extensively implemented in affected areas across the state. Dr. Yadav emphasized the government's dedication to the holistic development of tribal regions, exemplified by the inaugural Council of Ministers meeting held in Jabalpur, where numerous development and welfare initiatives are currently underway.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, while welcoming Vice President Shri Dhankhar, said that the The people of Dindori are courageous. Rani Durgavati and Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi defeated the invaders. Dr. Yadav said that Governor Shri Patel has an important role in spreading awareness about sickle cell eradication and motivating the state government to take effective measures.