Nagpur: Maharashtra has stepped up its fight against Sickle Cell disease in the Vidarbha region through an integrated public-private initiative aimed at early diagnosis and treatment of affected children. The drive is backed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and supported by leading voluntary organizations in the healthcare and skill development sectors.
With Vidarbha recognized as a hotspot for Sickle Cell disease, the state government has launched a mission to eliminate this hereditary blood disorder through comprehensive care and early intervention under one roof. The initiative is part of a larger goal to improve pediatric health and reduce the long-term burden of genetic diseases.
The government’s strategy also includes the creation of Centres of Excellence to address both Sickle Cell and thalassemia, which are commonly referred to as the “diseases of the underprivileged.” These centres aim to provide timely, specialized care and support to patients, especially children.
Sickle Cell: 324 Children Treated in the Past Year
A major contributor to the initiative is Dr. Vinky Rughwani, a Nagpur-based physician who has been actively involved in the Sickle Cell eradication movement since 2010. Operating under the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society of India, his centre in Nagpur treated 176 children with Sickle Cell disease and 148 with thalassemia over the last year, totaling 324 pediatric patients.
The centre is projected to treat around 300 children with the disease annually, offering consistent and advanced care. Financial support from philanthropic sources is also helping expand the reach of these treatments across underserved communities.
Outreach to 11 Districts in Vidarbha
The initiative will be extended to 11 districts in Vidarbha, addressing the regional concentration of Sickle Cell cases. Through this expansion, the program aims to facilitate early diagnosis, minimize complications, and ensure access to expert medical intervention for children at risk.
With collaboration between government bodies and non-profit organizations, the state’s efforts are yielding positive results, giving hope to families and working toward the long-term goal of making the disease a thing of the past in Maharashtra.
