New Delhi: The Prime Minister has spotlighted India’s ambitious National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM) 2047, a transformative initiative launched in 2023 with the goal of eradicating sickle cell disease (SCD) as a public health challenge by the nation’s centenary of independence. The mission focuses on mass screening, early detection, advanced treatment, and awareness drives—particularly in tribal areas where SCD prevalence is highest. Efforts include hydroxyurea therapy, integrated care through Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres, and the use of smart health cards for real-time patient tracking. Significant milestones are already in motion: Gujarat’s ₹6 crore Centre of Competence for patient care and research, Jharkhand’s plan to screen its entire population, Madhya Pradesh’s emphasis on genetic counselling and medicine access, and Nagpur’s hospitals offering both screening and free comprehensive care. With over 1 crore people screened so far, India—home to nearly half the world’s SCD burden—is combining technology, policy, and grassroots action to not only save lives but also protect the cultural heritage of vulnerable tribal communities. This mission is being hailed as a historic step towards a healthier, more inclusive India by 2047.
