Chhattisgarh has started to upgrade and enhance the existing Sickle Cell Institute into a centre of excellence with better facilities and faster research capabilities on a disease that affects around 10 per cent of its population.

“Sickle cell affects around 10 per cent of Chhattisgarh’s population, posing a major challenge. To address this issue, our government is committed to upgrading the state’s Sickle Cell Institute as a centre of excellence, enhancing facilities, and accelerating research. Alongside treatment, raising awareness about sickle cell prevention is crucial,” said chief minister Bhupesh Baghel after the groundbreaking ceremony for Sickle Cell Institute’s centre of excellence in Raipur on Friday.

Spanning 2.96 acres, the institute will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 48.12 crore. The centre aims to benefit not only the state’s residents but also those in neighbouring states, especially Jharkhand.

Highlighting the significant advancements made in the healthcare sector over the past four and a half years, Baghel said: “The initiatives taken for the expansion of healthcare facilities through Haat Bazar (village-level weekly markets) and other means have greatly benefited the people of the state. Notably, the Malaria Mukt Bastar Abhiyan and Malaria Mukt Chhattisgarh Abhiyan have contributed to a 65 per cent reduction in malaria cases.

“Timely treatment and availability of medications can minimise physical complications and enable patients to lead longer lives. Early identification of the disease is of utmost importance, and providing necessary counselling to individuals with sickle cell can help curb the spread of the disease.”

The existing Sickle Cell Institute offers free examinations, consultations, treatment and medications.

Starting from October 2022, sickle cell test and counselling centres have been established in all district hospitals and government medical colleges across the state. This initiative is now being expanded with the setting up of testing and counselling centres in community health centres at the development block level.

“The plan is to extend these centres to primary health centres. The identification of sickle cell patients will be carried out at the village level through Mitanins (community health workers), followed by necessary treatment,” a senior health department official said.

“The centre will accommodate 100 beds and include an emergency ward, operation theatres, ICUs, outpatient departments and a paediatric ward,” said Chhattisgarh health minister T.S. Singhdeo.