Madhya Pradesh Governor Calls for Urgent Focus on Sickle Cell Anaemia and TB Eradication
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Key Takeaways
Bhopal, March 31 (NationPress) Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel emphasized on Tuesday the urgent need to prioritize the elimination of Sickle Cell Anaemia and TB (tuberculosis) within the state.
He instructed that at the camps focused on sickle cell eradication in tribal areas, the public must be informed that the complete treatment process is included under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Governor Patel made these remarks during a review meeting concerning the Public Health and Family Welfare and AYUSH departments, specifically under the Sickle Cell Anaemia Eradication 2047 initiative and the TB-Free India Campaign held at Lok Bhavan.
He stated that patients suffering from sickle cell should receive adequate information regarding the facilities and eligibility criteria available under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Additionally, the Governor reviewed the progress of 'Nikshay Mitras' on a district level, urging an increase in participation, particularly in tribal regions, to boost nutrition and food distribution.
'Nikshay Mitras' are individuals, organizations, corporations, or elected officials who assist TB patients as part of the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
They provide voluntary, compassionate support, including nutritional, diagnostic, and vocational assistance to patients, with the goal of achieving a TB-free India.
The Governor also mandated regular TB testing for individuals living and working in mining areas.
He stressed the importance of local representatives actively collaborating to ensure the distribution of nutritious food to TB patients.
Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, present at the meeting, directed officials to implement special campaigns aimed at achieving complete progress on the Ayushman card rollout as well as the indicators for the sickle cell and TB eradication programs.
During the meeting, AYUSH Department Secretary Shobhit Jain provided detailed information to the Governor and Deputy Chief Minister Shukla regarding district-wise medicine distribution, house-to-house delivery, testing, and other initiatives.
He highlighted innovative efforts for medicine distribution specifically in districts dominated by Scheduled Tribes throughout the state.
The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh on July 1, 2023, with the objective of eradicating this genetic disorder by the year 2047.