President Droupadi Murmu graced the International Sickle Cell Day commemoration at Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh on June 19, 2026, where she highlighted the significant achievements of the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission. The President announced that the mission achieved its screening target ahead of schedule, having screened seven crore people ranging from newborns to those up to 40 years of age, making it one of the largest genetic disease screening initiatives in the world.
As a result of this mission-mode screening, approximately 2.5 lakh people have been detected with sickle cell disease, while over 20 lakh carriers of the disease have been identified. The President emphasized the need to understand the challenges posed by this large number of carriers and appreciated both Central and State governments for ensuring proper healthcare for identified patients and carriers.
Madhya Pradesh specifically made significant contributions to the mission, setting a record by screening over four lakh women under the 'Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan' held from September 17 to October 2, 2025. The state also launched the 'Sickle Mitra' initiative last year, training representatives from government and non-government institutions, voluntary organizations, and NCC cadets to raise awareness and provide assistance to patients.
The President expressed confidence that through collective strength and active engagement of all states, India will achieve its national goal of eradicating sickle cell-related diseases well before 2047.