Governor Mangubhai Patel said that for complete eradication of sickle cell, active collective participation from all of us is necessary. Only with everyone’s trust, cooperation, and efforts can the disease be eradicated. Governor Shri Patel was addressing the state-level conference organised in Barwani on the occasion of World Sickle Cell Day. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav joined the programme virtually from Indore. In the programme, a message from President Smt. Droupadi Murmu to people of the state and a citation based on the efforts being made by the state government for the eradication of sickle cell was read out by Deputy Chief Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla.
Golden Era of Tribal Welfare
Governor MangubhaiPatel said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is a dedicated and sensitive personality towards the welfare and empowerment of tribal life. Under his leadership, a golden era of tribal welfare is underway in India. Under the Sickle Cell Eradication Mission, the state government is doing commendable work. Governor Shri Patel congratulated the entire team of the state government for the efforts in eradicating sickle cell.
Mantra for Eradication of Sickle Cell
Governor Mangubhai Patel said that awareness is most necessary for the eradication of sickle cell. He said that before marriage, boys and girls must compare their genetic cards. Similarly, during pregnancy, testing of the mother and baby, and within 72 hours of birth, testing of the newborn is essential. Governor Shri Patel also appealed to the patients and carriers of sickle cell to regularly exercise, eat nutritious food, and take medicines as advised by the doctor. He also told parents to behave affectionately with children affected by sickle cell. Support them in understanding, fighting, and defeating sickle cell.
Appeal for Cooperation from Tribal Representatives
Governor Mangubhai Patel, stating that he himself comes from the tribal community, appealed to the representatives of the community to continuously, actively, and sensitively cooperate in the awareness efforts of sickle cell in tribal areas. He also appealed to the media to contribute to the widespread publicity of sickle cell eradication.
Youth Should Use Their Talent for Tribal Welfare
Governor Mangubhai Patel said that awareness and prevention efforts of sickle cell should be included in various activities of educational institutions as well as in their curricula. He appealed to tribal community students studying medicine to gain expertise in the field of sickle cell disease eradication. Conduct research on this disease. Participate in awareness efforts in their rural areas. Use their knowledge and talent for the welfare and development of their community.
1 Crore 6 Lakh Citizens Screened in State: CM Dr. Yadav
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that in our society, there is a tradition of matching horoscopes before marriage. Now the time has come that along with the horoscope, the bride and groom’s ‘Sickle Cell Genetic Card’ must also be matched. The earlier this disease is detected, the more the chances of keeping it under control and keeping the patient healthy. A large number of the tribal society in the state is affected by this disease. For us, sickle cell is not just a health crisis, but a social and economic challenge too. With the aim of completely eradicating sickle cell by 2047 under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Modi, the National Sickle Cell Eradication Mission–2047 has been launched. To achieve this target, integrated work is being done in the state at all four important levels — screening, disease management, counseling, and public awareness. So far, screening of over 1 crore 6 lakh citizens has been completed. All identified patients are being provided hydroxyurea, folic acid, and free blood donation facilities. Genetic counseling for sickle cell patients is also underway.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav announced the opening of a new medical college in Khargone district. He said that the entire Nimar region will benefit from improved health facilities. It is noteworthy that Chief Minister Dr. Yadav left from Bhopal to reach Barwani but could not reach due to bad weather and addressed the program virtually from Indore.
Governor Patel Has Conducted Awareness Campaign at National Level
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel has carried out an awareness campaign not only at the state but also at the national level. The tribal areas of the state have benefited from this. Future generations are ruined due to sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is creating social and economic crises in tribal areas. In sickle cell anemia, our blood cells start to shrink. This disease continues to pass on genetically. The health department of the state has done large-scale screening. It was found that Barwani district is the most affected by sickle cell. Here, ‘Sickle Friends’ have been appointed. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that there is no need to fear sickle cell anemia. With proper screening and prevention methods, this disease can be overcome. A sickle cell testing unit has been started at AIIMS Bhopal for testing newborns. The ongoing campaign in the state is like waging a war against sickle cell.
Food Processing Units Being Opened in Tribal Areas
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that many welfare steps have been taken for tribal-majority districts like Barwani, Jhabua, Dhar, etc. Farmers of Nimar will now get enough water for irrigation. The state government has started work on the Tapi Mega Recharge Project. Under the campaign of setting up food processing units in tribal areas, agriculture fairs are being organized throughout the state. The government has started registration for government procurement of the third crop, Moong. Solar pumps are being given to farmers to free them from electricity bills. The government provided benefits to farmers by purchasing wheat at ₹2600 per quintal. To increase farmers’ income, efforts are ongoing at all levels to encourage milk production in the state.
Approval of Promotion Pending for 9 Years of Government Employees/Officers
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that to provide permanent housing to the poor, a survey for eligible beneficiaries has been started. For youth welfare, the government has started a massive recruitment campaign for government posts. Recently, the state government has cleared the way for promotion of government employees/officers pending for 9 years. Due to this, there is a possibility of new recruitment on two lakh government posts in the coming years. To ensure quality education for children, the number of Sandipani Schools is being increased. Bicycles, scooters, and laptops are being distributed to meritorious students.
Ladli Sisters Will Receive Additional ₹250 on Rakshabandhan
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that a campaign is ongoing to economically empower sisters and daughters. Next month, all Ladli Sisters of the state will receive an additional ₹250 in their bank accounts to celebrate Rakshabandhan. Along with sisters, many welfare schemes have been started to connect youth with employment. While preserving tourism and cultural heritage, about ₹22 crore has been approved for the development of Ekatma Dham in Omkareshwar. A historic decision has been made to enforce prohibition in 19 religious cities of the state.
Governor Patel Releases Guidelines for Sickle Cell Management
Governor Mangubhai inaugurated the programme with lamp lighting and girl worship. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla welcomed him with a Pithora painting and bouquet. Minister-in-charge Shri Gautam Tetwal welcomed him by making him wear a jacket symbolizing tribal traditions. MP Shri Gajendra Patel greeted him by presenting a bow and arrow, symbols of tribal valor and pride. Former Minister Shri Prem Singh Patel greeted him with a turban.
In the programme, Deputy CM Shri Rajendra Shukla read out the message of President Smt. Droupadi Murmu. He said that the President’s visit to Barwani was proposed, but due to adverse weather, it was not possible.
He said that in the year 2024-25, against a target of 90 lakh screenings, Madhya Pradesh completed 97 lakh screenings, leading the nation. So far, screening of 1 crore 6 lakh citizens has been done. A special 100-day campaign will be run from July 1 to ensure screening of 1 crore 40 lakh citizens.
So far, over 2 lakh sickle cell carriers and 29,277 sickle cell patients have been identified. More than 80 lakh genetic cards have been distributed. 26,115 patients have received treatment through hydroxyurea. Health services are being continuously expanded. He said that due to continuous efforts of Governor Shri Patel, the campaign has become more effective. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav is regularly reviewing the campaign. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Shukla said that we will leave no stone unturned for the eradication of sickle cell. By running continuous public awareness campaigns, we will achieve the target by 2047.
Minister of Skill Development & Employment (Independent Charge) and Minister-in-Charge of Barwani, Shri Gautam Tetwal said:
“A healthy India is the foundation of a developed India. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav is concerned about all sectors including health, education, agriculture, and employment. He is continuously making efforts for the development of all areas of the state. For the management of sickle cell disease, along with treatment, prevention, awareness, and social participation are necessary. Everyone must come forward in this fight.”
Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Smt. Savitri Thakur said:
“All citizens should take a pledge to completely eradicate sickle cell anemia. Do not hesitate, definitely get tested.”
In the state-level programme organized in Barwani, many public representatives including Chairman of Scheduled Tribes Commission Shri Antar Singh Arya,
State Minister for Public Health & Medical Education Shri Narendra Shivaji Patel,
MP Shri Gajendra Singh Patel, Rajya Sabha Member Dr. Sumer Singh Solanki, and
Padma Shri Mahesh Sharma were present. Indore Mayor Shri Pushyamitra Bhargava and former minister Shri Mahendra Hardia participated virtually from Indore.