Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, Mar 19: To tackle the sickle cell crisis in the Kolhan region, a new state-of-the-art sickle cell testing hub is set to open at Sadar Hospital, Jamshedpur. This initiative follows an MoU signed between Tata Steel Foundation, the National Health Mission (NHM) and CSIR-CCMB, Hyderabad.
On Tuesday, Dr. Anuj Bhatnagar, Head of Public Health at Tata Steel Foundation, along with his team, visited Sadar Hospital and met Civil Surgeon Dr. Sahir Pal. The visit was aimed at selecting a suitable site for the new facility. “We have identified the location and equipment will be installed soon. Once operational, patients will greatly benefit from this service,” said Dr. Pal.
Previously, due to the lack of testing facilities in the Kolhan division, patients had to travel to Ranchi RIMS for diagnosis. Now, suspected cases from East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Saraikela-Kharsawan and nearby areas will have access to testing at Sadar Hospital itself.
The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s Mission 2047, which aims to eliminate sickle cell disease through early diagnosis and treatment. The testing hub is expected to play a crucial role in controlling the spread of the disease and ensuring timely medical intervention.
Comprehensive Sickle Cell testing to benefit Kolhan Region
Jamshedpur, Mar 19: With an increasing number of sickle cell cases being reported in the Kolhan region, a new testing hub at Sadar Hospital, Jamshedpur, is set to provide relief to patients. The hub, a collaboration between Tata Steel Foundation, NHM and CSIR-CCMB, Hyderabad, will offer specialized testing services.
This project is part of a broader strategy to combat sickle cell disease. As part of the initiative, individuals identified as sickle cell carriers or patients will be referred to government health centers for counseling and further medical attention. NHM will integrate the program into the state’s health system to ensure widespread access.
“Early diagnosis is key to managing sickle cell disease. This facility will help us detect cases faster and begin treatment without delay,” said Dr. Sahir Pal, Civil Surgeon of Jamshedpur.
Understanding Sickle Cell testing and its importance
Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, Mar 19: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder that affects haemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen. A simple blood test can determine whether a person has sickle cell disease or is a carrier of the sickle cell trait.
The upcoming testing hub at Sadar Hospital, Jamshedpur, will play a crucial role in early detection and treatment. Sickle cell testing is a routine procedure performed on newborns, but it is also recommended for individuals at risk. The test helps identify abnormalities in haemoglobin, allowing for early medical intervention.
“This initiative is a major step towards combating anemia and ensuring that sickle cell patients receive the necessary care in time,” said a representative from Tata Steel Foundation.
