Jharkhand committed to better care for sickle cell patients: CM Hemant Soren

Mail News Service

Ranchi, June 19: Chief Minister Hemant Soren reaffirmed the Jharkhand government’s commitment to controlling and ultimately eliminating sickle cell disease in the state. Speaking at a program organized by UNICEF on World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, the Chief Minister emphasized a comprehensive and inclusive approach to ensuring better treatment and a healthier life for those affected by the disease.

“Sickle cell disease not only affects the patient but also impacts the entire family. The state government is committed to giving the infected individuals a better life through systematic efforts,” said CM Soren, while interacting directly with youths living with sickle cell disease.

He underscored the importance of public awareness in combating the disease and called for collective efforts from all stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare professionals, and support organizations like UNICEF. “Raising awareness is essential so that people understand the nature of this disease. Only with collective action can we eradicate it,” he stated.

The Chief Minister stressed the urgent need to increase screening across the state for early identification and treatment. He pointed out that many people were unaware that they were carriers or infected by the disease, which could unknowingly lead to its transmission to the next generation.

“There is a dire need to screen more and more people. Those who show symptoms must be counselled and provided timely testing, medication, and other essential healthcare facilities,” he said.

He also advocated for new-born screening, stating, “We must start screening at birth so that if any issues are detected, immediate treatment can be initiated. Early intervention will reduce long-term complications and help manage the disease more effectively.”

The Chief Minister highlighted ongoing initiatives by the state government, particularly through the health department, to address the challenges posed by sickle cell disease. He acknowledged the valuable role played by organizations like UNICEF in supporting these efforts.

“To strengthen the health system, we are preparing health profiles for every individual in the state. This will help us identify patients suffering from various diseases, including sickle cell, and ensure appropriate treatment,” he said.

CM Soren emphasized the importance of regularly updating health data. “Timely updates of health profile data will allow us to track the number of patients diagnosed, how many recovered after treatment, and how many new cases have emerged. Accurate data will guide us in formulating effective strategies for disease control,” he added.

Addressing the Health Department, CM Soren called for a robust system to ensure that people infected with sickle cell did not face any obstacles in accessing tests, medicines, and treatment. He particularly stressed the need for timely blood availability, a critical component of treatment for sickle cell patients.

“There should be no shortage of medicines or delays in testing. Blood availability must be ensured as sickle cell patients frequently require transfusions. The system must be reliable and patient-friendly,” he directed.

CM Soren concluded by saying that the government’s goal was to provide a healthy and safe life to future generations and eradicate diseases like sickle cell through sustained and focused efforts. (w/gsd)