President Droupadi Murmu on Friday graced the International Sickle Cell Day commemoration in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh, and described India’s National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission as one of the largest genetic disease screening initiatives in the world.
Speaking at the event, the President said the observance of International Sickle Cell Day reflects a meaningful effort to address a major health challenge. She noted that the target of screening under the national mission had been achieved ahead of schedule.
The President said that screening of around seven crore people—from newborns to individuals up to 40 years of age—has been completed, calling it a significant public health achievement. She added that approximately 2.5 lakh patients have been identified so far, along with over 20 lakh carriers of the disease.
President Murmu emphasised the importance of addressing the challenges posed by the large number of carriers and appreciated both the Centre and state governments for ensuring identification as well as proper healthcare support for patients and carriers.
She also underlined Madhya Pradesh’s role in the programme, noting that the state screened over four lakh women under the “Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan” between September 17 and October 2, 2025.
Further, the President highlighted the “Sickle Mitra” initiative launched by the Madhya Pradesh government on International Sickle Cell Day last year. Under the programme, government and non-government representatives, along with NCC cadets, have been trained to spread awareness and assist patients.
The President expressed confidence that collective efforts by all states would help India achieve its goal of eliminating sickle cell-related diseases well before 2047.
