Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram informed Rajya Sabha about the progress of the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM) in tribal-dominated areas. As of July 16, 2026, more than 7.24 crore screenings have been conducted in the targeted age group of 0-40 years across health facilities from District Hospitals to Ayushman Arogya Mandir level in 17 affected tribal states.
The screening results show that 247,961 individuals have been identified as diseased with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and 2,035,181 as carriers of SCD. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare provides technical and financial support to States/UTs for conducting screenings and procurement of drugs based on proposals received under the National Health Mission.
Hydroxyurea has been included in the NHM Essential Drugs List at Sub-Health Centres, Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, and District Hospitals to address medicine access issues. Patients living with SCD receive comprehensive services including frequent follow-ups, counseling for lifestyle management and pre-marriage/pre-natal decisions, nutritional supplementation through folic acid tablets, yoga and wellness sessions, and management of crisis symptoms with referral to higher facilities.
State-wise age distribution data shows significant variations across regions. Odisha reported the highest number of diseased individuals with 1,615 in 0-2 years, 23,383 in 2-10 years, 28,061 in 10-18 years, 22,065 in 18-25 years, 26,434 in 25-40 years, and 4,320 in 40+ years category. Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat also reported substantial numbers across age groups. Similarly, for carriers, Odisha reported 7,351 in 0-2 years, 126,571 in 2-10 years, 177,247 in 10-18 years, 95,950 in 18-25 years, 162,894 in 25-40 years, and 27,788 in 40+ years category, with other states showing varying distribution patterns.