Maharashtra Launches Major Drive Against Sickle Cell Anaemia
Maharashtra has taken a bold step to combat sickle cell anaemia. The state government launched the Arunodaya special campaign on January 15. This initiative targets 21 districts with high disease prevalence. Officials aim to create a sickle cell anaemia-free Maharashtra. They also want to secure a healthier future for tribal communities.
Campaign Details and Timeline
The Arunodaya campaign will run until February 7. The public health and family welfare department planned it extensively. Their goal is simple: ensure no citizen misses sickle cell anaemia screening. A statement from the department emphasized this point on Wednesday.
Authorities are focusing particularly on people aged 0 to 40 years. Early detection forms the core objective of this drive. Timely treatment and referral services will follow for those diagnosed.
Districts Covered Under the Initiative
The campaign spans 21 tribal-dominated districts across Maharashtra. These include:
- Thane
- Nashik
- Nandurbar
- Amravati
- Gondia
- Gadchiroli
- Palghar
- Nagpur
- Wardha
- Chandrapur
- Bhandara
- Yavatmal
- Dhule
- Jalgaon
- Buldhana
- Nanded
- Washim
- Akola
- Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
- Raigad
- Hingoli
Comprehensive Health Services Offered
Government health institutions are providing a full range of services for free. These include:
- Sickle cell screening and diagnosis
- Treatment and counselling
- Regular health check-ups
- Blood transfusion when necessary
- Expert consultation via telemedicine
The public health department urges citizens to participate actively. They ask people to visit their nearest government health centre for screening. ASHA workers are available to assist. Citizens can also dial 104 for further help and information.
This campaign represents a significant push towards better public health in Maharashtra. It addresses a critical issue affecting many tribal communities directly.
