Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National 'Sickle Cell Anaemia Mukti Mission' in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh on Saturday, with an aim to eradicate the disease by 2047.
Out of total number of people suffering from sickle cell Anemia in world, half of them are in India, Modi said while launching the mission, adding that no substantial steps were taken in the last 70 years to eradicate the disease.
"Today, the country is taking a big resolution on the land of Shahdol. This resolution is to get rid of the disease of sickle cell anaemia...Our government is committed to the welfare of tribal sisters and brothers...The launch of 'Sickle Cell Anemia Mukti Mission' in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh will bring a significant change in their lives..." Modi said.
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He further claimed that previous governments "didn't think about tribal people who were mostly affected by the disease".
The PM will also distribute sickle cell genetic status cards to beneficiaries during the event, according to an official release issued on Friday. The mission's goal is to address the urgent health challenges posed by sickle cell disease, particularly among tribal populations.
Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that a big plan has been laid out to eliminate the disease. "This could not be done by previous governments due to the lack of willingness," he said.
The Prime Minister further kickstarted the distribution of about 3.57 crore Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) cards in Madhya Pradesh.
