Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Saturday said the Health Department, which is already running a scheme to screen and detect sickle cell anemia cases, will further intensify the programme.
Speaking after participating in a videoconference following the launch of National Sickle Cell Anemia Eradication Mission (NSCAEM) 2047 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Shahdol in Madhya Pradesh, the Minister said during the previous term in 2016, the Congress government had enabled the screening of 23,935 persons for sickle cell anemia in seven districts that have tribal population.
“Of these, 342 had tested positive. They are being provided free treatment. Besides, they have also been categorised as physically challenged and are getting monthly pension and 50% travel concession,” he said.
