On 1st July 2023, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (PM) of India launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCEM) as part of the National Health Mission (NHM) and released the guidelines for Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh to eliminate anaemia by 2047. Along with the initiative of NSCEM, the PM also distributed sickle cell genetic status cards to the beneficiaries.
- The PM also initiated the distribution of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) cards of about 3.57 crore beneficiaries, with 1 crore cards already being issued to the beneficiaries in Madhya Pradesh.
- The ceremony for the distribution of AB-PMJAY cards was being organised at urban bodies, Gram panchayats and Development Blocks across Madhya Pradesh.
Key People:
Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare; Mangubhai C. Patel, Governor of Madhya Pradesh; Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh were also present at the event.
What is Sickle cell Disease (SCD)?
It 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.
Note: As per Forbes, India has the second-highest global prevalence of SCD. As per a National Health Mission report, Madhya Pradesh has the highest burden of sickle cell anaemia.
About National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCEM):
i. The mission was announced in the Union Budget 2023, aims to address the important health challenges caused by sickle cell disease, particularly among tribal populations of India.
ii. The mission will be implemented in 278 districts of 17 states in India namely Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar, and Uttarakhand.
iii. NSCEM was developed to ensure that the health risks faced by the tribal communities of India are significantly reduced.
iv. Over a period of three years, spanning from the fiscal year 2023-24 to 2025-26, the program targets screening approximately 7.0 crore people.
About Ayushman Bharat Cards:
i. The Ayushman Bharat Scheme has significantly reduced the financial burden on the people due to medical expenses and the AB-PMJAY cards will act as an ATM card worth Rs. 5 lakhs.
ii. The card provides equity in healthcare and is accessible anywhere India to get free treatment.
Highlights:
Efforts taken by the Government of India to reduce the impact of various disease were highlighted like Elimination of Tuberculosis (TB) completely in India by 2025.
About Madhya Pradesh:
Chief Minister- Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Governor- Mangubhai C. Patel
Tiger Reserve- Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Kanha Tiger Reserve
