On the initiative of Deputy Commissioner, Khunti, Lokesh Mishra, for the first time in the district, pension has been approved for persons suffering from sickle cell anemia under Swami Vivekananda Nishakt Swavlamban Protsahan Scheme by District Social Security Cell, Khunti. In the first phase, 09 persons of which 3 from Khunti block, 3 from Karra, 2 from Murhu and 1 from Torpa will be covered. Under this scheme, an amount of Rs 1000 per month will be given to the beneficiaries for life. In case of any sickle cell case coming to light or identified later on will be covered under this scheme.

Till now, sickle cell screening of a total 99165 persons has been done in the district, out of which 114 were found to be carriers of sickle cell and total 46 persons were found to be suffering from sickle cell anemia-thalassemia disease. Out of which 9 persons who are suffering from 40 percent or more sickle cell anemia-thalassemia disease are being given pension under Swami Vivekananda Nishakt Swavalamban Protsahan Yojana on the basis of disability certificate.

At present, while on one hand the life expectancy of people has increased due to health facilities, on the other hand the tribal population is suffering from various diseases.

Among these, people need to be aware about sickle cell anemia. It is a hereditary blood related disease, it is a group of disorders that affect the production of hemoglobin. The possibility of severe anemia, jaundice, delay in development and infection increases. Sickle cell anemia is a serious disease, it is the responsibility of all of us to spread the information about its remedies and treatment to remote areas.

For this, sickle cell anemia-thalassemia screening/checking camps were organized in all the blocks of the district.

Sickle cell mobile medical vans are continuously visiting remote rural areas from the district and conducting sickle cell screening.

Sickle cell anaemia-thalassemia-day care center is being run in Sadar Hospital, Khunti with the objective of providing proper medical facilities to people suffering from sickle cell anemia.Here free medical consultation, treatment, medicines and blood are being provided to an average of 15 people suffering from sickle cell anemia-thalassemia every month.