Visakhapatnam: In a pioneering move within the government hospital sector of Andhra Pradesh, the state government has inaugurated a 'Centre of Competence for Haemoglobinopathies' at King George Hospital (KGH) in Visakhapatnam. An investment of approximately Rs 3.3 crore has been made for equipment at this specialized facility.
Addressing High Incidence in Tribal Regions
Given the high prevalence of sickle cell disease and other haemoglobinopathies in the tribal areas of the region, the centre is anticipated to facilitate early diagnosis and timely treatment of these conditions. During a screening drive conducted by the health department among nearly 15 lakh tribal individuals for sickle cell anaemia, 21,767 were identified as carriers, while 2,285 were diagnosed with the disease.
Individuals carrying only one abnormal gene are termed 'carriers', as they do not manifest the disease but possess the abnormal gene and can pass it to the next generation. Carriers cannot be identified through clinical examination and are detectable only via specialized blood tests. Sickle cell anaemia, a genetic disorder affecting red blood cells, is commonly found in the tribal belts of north coastal Andhra Pradesh, Bastar, and south Odisha. Hundreds of students in the tribal areas of Visakhapatnam suffer from sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia.
Lifelong Management Required
Thalassaemia and sickle cell disorders necessitate lifelong blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy. The excess iron accumulated from repeated blood transfusions must be eliminated using costly chelation medications. Frequent blood transfusions and other treatment procedures require a supportive healthcare system. The newly established centre at KGH is expected to serve patients from north coastal Andhra Pradesh.
According to medical experts, haemoglobinopathies, including sickle cell disease, are among the most common genetic disorders. Sickle cell disease requires lifelong management and contributes to infant and childhood morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from inheriting two abnormal HbS genes.
Sickle cell anaemia severely compromises the immune system of patients. It leads to inadequate amino acid production, and affected individuals may experience jaundice, enlargement of the spleen, swelling of hands and feet, joint pain, and breathlessness. Over time, it can result in serious complications due to a weakened immune system.
Government Commitment to Tribal Health
Launching the centre at KGH on Monday, Tribal Welfare Minister G Sandhya Rani stated that the government is prioritizing the protection of tribal health. “Modern medical services for the prevention of sickle cell disease, including special screening for newborns and pregnant women, have now been made available at the centre. Genetic counselling and blood transfusion services will also be provided through the Centre of Competence. The government is working towards eliminating sickle cell anaemia by 2047,” the minister said.
