Ranchi, June 19: Chief Minister Hemant Soren, on the occasion of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, participated in a UNICEF-organised event where he interacted directly with young men and women affected by sickle cell disease. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to control the disease and emphasised efforts to provide better treatment and an improved quality of life for those infected.
The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of collective efforts to eradicate sickle cell disease. He spoke about the preparation of health profiles to identify people suffering from various diseases to ensure they receive appropriate medical care. Soren stressed the need for increased awareness among the public to enhance understanding of sickle cell disease and its impact.
He also emphasised the need to expand screening programmes, noting that many people are unaware they carry the disease and may unknowingly pass it on to future generations. Early screening, especially at birth, was described as critical for timely diagnosis and treatment.
To combat sickle cell disease, the government is working at multiple levels through the health department and with support from organisations like UNICEF. The Chief Minister called for continuous updating of health profile data to track the number of patients, recoveries, and new cases, which would help in strategizing future health initiatives.
Soren directed the health department to ensure smooth access to testing, medicines, and blood transfusions, which are often required by sickle cell patients. He underscored the vital role of health counsellors in screening and counselling patients, recommending that they receive proper training and resources to better serve affected individuals.
During the event, the Chief Minister spoke with several sickle cell patients, including Atiya Kaushar, Sneha Tirki, Sanya Parveen, Vimla Kumari, and Abdul Hakim Ansari, learning about their struggles and treatment challenges. He encouraged them to remain strong and resilient, assuring that the government is actively working to address their problems. One young woman shared how the disease affects her ability to attend college classes and exams; the Chief Minister assured her that solutions to support her education would be explored.
