Intensify Efforts for Sickle Cell Eradication: Governor Shri Patel

Bhopal, June 2026 : Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel has directed the Public Health & Family Welfare Department and the AYUSH Department to intensify activities related to the eradication of Sickle Cell Disease in the run-up to World Sickle Cell Day on June 19. He emphasised that, along with screening, treatment, distribution of cards and medicines, extensive awareness programmes should also be conducted. Shri Patel stated that the commitment to eliminate Sickle Cell Disease must be pursued with unwavering dedication and that efforts should continue relentlessly until the goal is achieved. The Governor emphasised the need for special monitoring of eradication and treatment activities in tribal-dominated areas to ensure continuity and effectiveness.

Governor Shri Patel was reviewing the progress of Sickle Cell eradication initiatives during a meeting with the Public Health & Family Welfare Department and the AYUSH Department at Raj Bhavan on Thursday. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla and AYUSH Minister Shri Inder Singh Parmar were also present on the occasion.

Governor Shri Patel directed that mothers and children visiting Anganwadi centres be provided information every Tuesday on the causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment of Sickle Cell Anaemia. He conducted a district-wise review of the Sickle Cell eradication initiatives being undertaken by the Health and AYUSH Departments. Officials of the Health Department presented detailed district-wise information on screening, medicine distribution and issuance of Sickle Cell cards. The AYUSH Department also shared updates on district-wise medicine distribution, counselling, treatment and continuous engagement with patients. Shri Patel directed the AYUSH Department to obtain regular feedback from patients regarding treatment outcomes and services.

Governor Shri Patel said that the State Government remains firmly committed to the eradication of Sickle Cell Disease. He noted that Madhya Pradesh is among the leading states in the country in implementing Sickle Cell eradication initiatives. The Governor attributed this achievement to the meaningful and well-directed efforts of the concerned departments. The Governor appreciated the work and activities undertaken by the Health and AYUSH Departments and congratulated all senior officers and field-level personnel associated with the campaign.

Additional Chief Secretary Shri Ashok Kumar Barnwal briefed the Governor on the programme proposed to be organised in Khandwa district on the occasion of World Sickle Cell Day.

The meeting was attended by Chairman of the Tribal Cell Shri Deepak Khandekar, Principal Secretary to the Governor Dr. Navneet Mohan Kothari, Principal Secretary, AYUSH Department, Shri Shobhit Jain, Secretary of the Tribal Cell Smt. Meenakshi Singh, senior officials of the Public Health, Family Welfare and AYUSH Departments and officers of Raj Bhavan.