Doctors should lead Research Efforts on Sickle Cell Disease: Governor Shri Patel

Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel emphasised the importance of focused research and investigation in the efforts to eliminate sickle cell disease. He stated that coordinated efforts are essential to eradicate the disease through diverse treatment methods. Highlighting the rich availability of medicinal herbs in our forests, the Governor stressed the need for scientific validation of their effectiveness through rigorous research and studies.

Governor Shri Patel addressed the Sickle Cell Sensitisation Programme organized at Gandhi Medical College by its alumni. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla was also present on the occasion.

In his address, Governor Shri Patel emphasised that the eradication of sickle cell disease requires collective effort and active public participation. He stated that every individual should contribute to raising awareness at their level. Highlighting the importance of awareness as the most powerful tool in achieving the goal of eliminating sickle cell by 2047, the Governor urged people to first educate themselves about the symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures of the disease. He encouraged everyone to become awareness ambassadors and spread knowledge within their communities.

Governor Shri Patel emphasized the importance of preventive measures to protect future generations from sickle cell anemia. He stated that prospective brides and grooms must match their sickle cell genetic cards before marriage. Additionally, he recommended that necessary tests be conducted during pregnancy and that newborns undergo a sickle cell anemia test within 72 hours of birth. Governor Shri Patel also had a warm and cordial interaction with children suffering from sickle cell anemia and their families, inquiring about their well-being. He encouraged them to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious food and engaging in regular exercise.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla provided detailed insights into the state’s efforts under the Sickle Cell Eradication Mission-2047, which was launched in Shahdol under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He announced that Centers of Excellence for Prenatal Testing would be established in all medical colleges across the state to intensify testing efforts. Member of Parliament Shri Alok Sharma also addressed the gathering, highlighting the committed and collaborative efforts of the Central and State Governments toward the eradication of sickle cell disease.

Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel was warmly welcomed at the programme with a bouquet of flowers. He was presented with a book on sickle cell awareness and a diagnostic kit developed by HPCL. Marking the occasion of World Environment Day, representatives of the Alumni Association also presented saplings to the Governor, which he handed over for plantation within the Gandhi Medical College campus.

The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Kavita Singh, Dean of Gandhi Medical College. Dr. Lalit Srivastava, Secretary of the Organizing Committee, provided an overview of the Sickle Cell Anemia Sensitization Program. Renowned experts involved in sickle cell eradication, research, and prevention—including Dr. Rahul Bhargava, Dr. R.K. Nigam, Dr. Danish Javed, and NHM Deputy Director Dr. Ruby Khan—shared valuable insights during the event. The programme was attended by officers of the Alumni Association, faculty members, doctors, researchers, experts, and students of Gandhi Medical College.

Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel emphasised the importance of focused research and investigation in the efforts to eliminate sickle cell disease. He stated that coordinated efforts are essential to eradicate the disease through diverse treatment methods. Highlighting the rich availability of medicinal herbs in our forests, the Governor stressed the need for scientific validation of their effectiveness through rigorous research and studies.

Governor Shri Patel addressed the Sickle Cell Sensitisation Programme organized at Gandhi Medical College by its alumni. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla was also present on the occasion.

In his address, Governor Shri Patel emphasised that the eradication of sickle cell disease requires collective effort and active public participation. He stated that every individual should contribute to raising awareness at their level. Highlighting the importance of awareness as the most powerful tool in achieving the goal of eliminating sickle cell by 2047, the Governor urged people to first educate themselves about the symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures of the disease. He encouraged everyone to become awareness ambassadors and spread knowledge within their communities.

Governor Shri Patel emphasized the importance of preventive measures to protect future generations from sickle cell anemia. He stated that prospective brides and grooms must match their sickle cell genetic cards before marriage. Additionally, he recommended that necessary tests be conducted during pregnancy and that newborns undergo a sickle cell anemia test within 72 hours of birth. Governor Shri Patel also had a warm and cordial interaction with children suffering from sickle cell anemia and their families, inquiring about their well-being. He encouraged them to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious food and engaging in regular exercise.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla provided detailed insights into the state’s efforts under the Sickle Cell Eradication Mission-2047, which was launched in Shahdol under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He announced that Centers of Excellence for Prenatal Testing would be established in all medical colleges across the state to intensify testing efforts. Member of Parliament Shri Alok Sharma also addressed the gathering, highlighting the committed and collaborative efforts of the Central and State Governments toward the eradication of sickle cell disease.

Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel was warmly welcomed at the programme with a bouquet of flowers. He was presented with a book on sickle cell awareness and a diagnostic kit developed by HPCL. Marking the occasion of World Environment Day, representatives of the Alumni Association also presented saplings to the Governor, which he handed over for plantation within the Gandhi Medical College campus.

The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Kavita Singh, Dean of Gandhi Medical College. Dr. Lalit Srivastava, Secretary of the Organizing Committee, provided an overview of the Sickle Cell Anemia Sensitization Program. Renowned experts involved in sickle cell eradication, research, and prevention—including Dr. Rahul Bhargava, Dr. R.K. Nigam, Dr. Danish Javed, and NHM Deputy Director Dr. Ruby Khan—shared valuable insights during the event. The programme was attended by officers of the Alumni Association, faculty members, doctors, researchers, experts, and students of Gandhi Medical College.