Over 20 lakh from tribal areas screened for sickle cell anaemia in past eight years: CSIR DG

MORE than 20 lakh people from tribal areas have been screened since we started the sickle cell anaemia project eight years back, said CSIR's Director General Nallathamby Kalaiselvi, terming it among the institute's more successful missions.

- DIPAK RANJAN

Introduced in the Union Budget 2023 and launched in July the same year, the 'National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission' is aimed at eliminating the blood disease from the country by the end of 2047.

The genetic disorder affects red blood cells, making them sickle-shaped, instead of the usual round one. Common symptoms include acute painful episodes, blocking of blood vessels and possible organ damage.

Speaking to PTI Videos, Kalaiselvi, who is also the Secretary of Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, said, "While the country started talking about sickle cell anaemia only three years back, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) started addressing sickle cell anaemia eight years back, thanks to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, who gave the funding for the first five to six years."

"It is actually one of our very visionary, successful missions, I would say," she said.