Matching of sickle cell card is more important than matching horoscope before marriage: Governor Shri Patel

Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel said that for a healthy generation, matching sickle cell genetic counseling cards is more important than matching the horoscopes before marriage, because if sickle cell patients and carriers marry each other, their children will suffer from sickle cell disease. Even if both husband and wife are carriers of this disease, there is a high possibility that their future children will be affected by sickle cell.  Governor Shri Patel advised sickle cell anemia patients to take special care of their diet and eat only home-cooked food. He said that such people should include a regular nutritious diet, yoga, and exercise in their daily routine.

Governor Shri Patel was addressing the sickle cell anemia screening camp organized at the hostel of Government Kamala Nehru Girls College on Monday. Tribal Affairs, Public Assets Management, and Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Dr. Kunwar Vijay Shah was also present in this screening camp organized under the joint aegis of the Tribal Affairs Department and Health Department.    

Governor Shri Patel said that medical counseling before and during pregnancy is very important for the prevention of sickle cell anemia. Now, special treatment facilities are available for newborn babies if sickle cell is detected within 72 hours of birth. He said that the Central and State Governments are making combined efforts to eradicate sickle cell anemia. Governor Shri Patel directed the concerned departments to conduct the screening of every person targeted for sickle cell screening with utmost seriousness.Daughters should come forward for sickle cell awareness

Governor Shri Patel said that Maatrushakti has special importance in Indian culture. The contribution of daughters is essential for eradicating sickle cell. He urged daughters to come forward for sickle cell awareness and tell their near and dear ones, relatives, and people in the neighborhood about this disease and persuade them to get their blood tested. Governor Shri Patel appealed to the people present that every person should actively contribute to the efforts for symptoms, prevention, and eradication of sickle cell disease. Always be sensitive towards this noble work of serving humanity. He called for collective participation in resolving to make India free from sickle cell anemia by 2047.

Governor Shri Patel inaugurated the program by lighting the lamp and offering floral tributes to tribal heroes. Tribal Affairs Minister Dr. Shah and the girls of Girls College Hostel cordially congratulated Governor Shri Patel and presented him with a bouquet. On this occasion, Governor Shri Patel also gave gifts to the students of the Girls College Hostel.Will arrange for a nurse in every hostel to examine students every month

Tribal Affairs Minister Dr. Shah said in his address that the role of Governor Shri Patel in the sickle cell eradication mission of the state is very important. Shri Shah openly praised the ‘Tribal Cell’ established in Raj Bhavan under the guidance of Governor Shri Patel. He said that Governor Shri Patel is very sensitive towards the tribals. Due to the efforts of Shri Patel, the work of eradicating sickle cell anemia in the state is continuing rapidly on mission mode. He said that with the help of the Health Department, we are making arrangements for a nurse who will visit all tribal hostels of the state every month to conduct blood tests of the hosteliers.Screening of more than 72 lakh people completed

In the screening camp, Dr. Ruby Khan, Deputy Director of the National Health Mission (NHM), gave detailed information about the objectives of the screening camp and the symptoms, identification, prevention, and treatment of sickle cell disease. She said that under the Sickle Cell Anemia Eradication Mission of the Government of India, more than 72 lakh people have been screened in the state so far. Under the mission’s target, sickle cell screening of one crore people is to be done. Sickle cell anemia-positive girl students of Girls College Hostel shared their experiences in the programme.

Dr. E. Ramesh Kumar, Principal Secretary, of the Tribal Affairs Department gave the welcome address. Shri Narottam Varkade, Divisional Deputy Commissioner of the Tribal Affairs Department proposed the vote of thanks. Secretary of Tribal Cell of Raj Bhavan, Shri Amarpal Singh, Deputy Secretary of Tribal Affairs Department and Director, Regional Tribal Development Schemes, Smt. Vandana Vaidya, In-charge Director B.M.H.R.C. Smt. Manisha Srivastava, officials of the Tribal and Health Department, girls college hostel students, and their parents were also present.

After the programme, Governor Shri Patel and Minister Dr. Shah visited the Girls College Hostel and also took stock of the facilities and other arrangements being provided to the girl students here.