Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi as he launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCEM) in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh 1st July 2023.

Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Mangubhai C. Patel, Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Prof. SP Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste, Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Steel, Smt Renuka Singh Saruta, Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, and Shri Bishweswar Tudu, Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, were also present at the event.

“Sickle Cell Disease is a disease that impacts tribal sections of societies significantly. The government is committed to eliminate the disease before India celebrates it’s Amrit Kaal in 2047.”

The NSCAEM takes a comprehensive approach to tackle sickle cell disease, recognizing its impact on not just patients but also their families. The mission combines screening and awareness strategies to ensure early detection and treatment while promoting education about the disease. By identifying individuals with sickle cell trait, the mission aims to prevent the unintentional transfer of the disease to the next generation. Over the course of three years, an ambitious screening initiative aims to examine approximately 7.0 crore individuals who are under 40 years old.

Distribution of Ayushman Cards and PVC Ayushman Bharat Cards :

PM Modi initiated the distribution of over 3 crore digital Ayushman cards nationwide and 1 crore PVC Ayushman Bharat cards specifically in Madhya Pradesh. These cards provide beneficiaries with access to health insurance coverage worth ₹5 lakh, ensuring affordable and quality medical treatment. Ayushman Card is a guarantee backed by his government, offering financial security for healthcare expenses.


About Sickle cell disease :

Sickle cell disease (SCD), also known as sickle cell anemia, is a genetic blood disorder that affects the structure and function of red blood cells. It is an inherited condition caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene, which is responsible for producing the protein that carries oxygen in the red blood cells. This disorder results in a distressing systemic condition marked by persistent anemia, episodes of intense pain, organ infarction, chronic organ impairment, and a considerable decrease in life expectancy.


Efforts to Eradicate Sickle Cell Anemia by 2047 :

The National Sickle Cell Anemia Eradication Mission (NSCAEM) seeks to address the urgent health challenges posed by sickle cell disease by encompassing disease management guidelines & monitoring modules. The distribution of Ayushman cards, aims to alleviate the healthcare challenges faced by the tribal population Nearly half of the global sickle cell disease cases are concentrated in India which predominantly affects the tribal population in India. With the launch of this mission, the government aims to eliminate sickle cell anemia from the country by 2047, adopting a mission mode approach..

Source : PIB