SICKLE CELL CARE MISSION ON TRACK AT ICMR'S CHANDRAPUR CENTER

A 10-member National Media delegation, led by Dr. Manisha Verma, Additional Director General (Media), Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, visited the Indian Council of Medical Research's (ICMR) Centre for Research, Management, and Control of Hemoglobinopathies (CRMCH) in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. The delegation also visited the ICMR-National Institute of Virology in Pune.

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At the ICMR-CRMCH, the delegation was received by Dr. Manisha Madkaikar, Director, who provided an in-depth overview of the center's pathbreaking work in tackling hemoglobinopathies, especially sickle cell disease (SCD) and Thalassemia, conditions highly prevalent in the Vidarbha region.

Dr. Madkaikar highlighted the Centre's holistic approach, which includes genetic research, patient counseling, diagnostics, and free clinical care. “Our efforts are aimed not just at treatment but also early detection and prevention, especially among tribal populations,” she said. The Centre also collaborates with local government medical colleges and NGOs to run monthly clinics and outreach camps.