Maharashtra to launch ‘Arunodaya’ sickle cell screening drive from January 15

The Maharashtra governmentrsquos Public Health and Family Welfare Department will roll out a special statewide sickle cell screening drive lsquoArunodayarsquo from January 15 to February 7 with the aim of moving towards a sickle cellndashfree MaharashtraAs per the official statement issued by the Public Health and Family Welfare the campaign will be implemented in 21 districts with a high prevalence of sickle cell disease where authorities plan to ensure that every citizen undergoes testingThe statement also mentioned that the initiative is being carried out as per the instructions of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar and under the guidance of Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar and Minister of State Meghna Sakore BordikarHealth officials said that preparatory work for the campaign has been completed with special emphasis on early diagnosis timely treatment and referral servicesFurthermore Minister Abitkar has further directed the officials to ensure that no sickle cell patient particularly in tribal areas is left without screening or medical supportAccording to official data between 2019 and October 31 2025 over 105 crore solubility tests were conducted across the state leading to the identification of 12420 sickle cell patients and 124275 carriersSickle Cell Control Program in Maharashtra has been running since 2008The Sickle Cell Control Program which has been operational since 2008 covers districts including Thane Nashik Nandurbar Amravati Gadchiroli Palghar Nagpur Chandrapur Yavatmal Jalgaon Nanded Raigad and othersServices under the Sickle Cell Control Program offer free screening advanced diagnostic tests medicines counselling regular health checkups blood transfusions when required and telemedicinebased expert consultationsWhat is sickle cell diseaseSickle cell disease is a hereditary blood disorder in which red blood cells become rigid and sickleshaped leading to blockages in blood vessels severe pain episodes organ damage and reduced immunity Health officials stress that while there is no complete cure early detection and proper management can significantly improve quality of life and life expectancyThe department has urged citizens to undergo testing especially before marriage and to seek medical advice during pregnancy if there is a known family history of the disease Free testing diagnosis and treatment facilities are available at government hospitals while patients are also eligible for financial assistance and other benefits under state welfare schemesOfficials also emphasised ldquoThe lsquoArunodayarsquo campaign is a crucial step towards prevention awareness and longterm control of sickle cell disease in Maharashtrardquo