Governor Mangubhai Patel has appealed to every individual in society to contribute to the eradication of Sickle Cell Anemia. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a goal to eliminate Sickle Cell Anemia by 2047, and achieving this goal requires the cooperation of every section of society. Madhya Pradesh ranks third in India, after Odisha and Chhattisgarh, in terms of the highest number of Sickle Cell Anemia patients. The Governor emphasized that awareness and education in affected areas can help prevent the disease.
Governor Patel was addressing an event organized under the National Sickle Cell Anemia Eradication Mission at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College, Indore.
The event was attended by Union Ministers Smt. Savitri Thakur and Durgadas Uikey, Water Resources Minister Tulsiram Silawat, Member of Parliament Shankar Lalwani, MLA Rakesh Shukla, Medical College Dean Dr. Arvind Ghanghoria, Deputy Director of the Sickle Cell Mission (MP) Smt. Ruhi Khan, MY Hospital Superintendent, Dr. Ashok Yadav, and former Dean Dr. Sharad Thora.
On this occasion, MP Shankar Lalwani announced that he would provide a vehicle for the MY Hospital Blood Bank Team from his MP Fund.
In his address, Governor Patel shared a touching story from 42 years ago when he first encountered the tragedy of Sickle Cell Anemia while serving as a corporator in Gujarat. He recalled taking a young boy suffering from Sickle Cell Anemia to Dr. Dholakia in Mumbai for treatment, but the child could not be saved. He also recounted the heartbreaking story of a young girl from his neighborhood who used to play in his arms but succumbed to the disease within just four days.
Governor Patel stated that during Narendra Modi's tenure as Gujarat's Chief Minister, he raised the issue of Sickle Cell Anemia at a state government brainstorming session, and since then, he has been dedicated to this cause.
Governor Patel drew a parallel to Lord Rama's journey to Lanka, where squirrels contributed to the construction of the Ram Setu. He urged everyone in society to play their role in eradicating Sickle Cell Anemia, no matter how small. He also led the attendees in taking a pledge to support the mission.
He emphasized that public awareness is crucial for the elimination of the disease. Key measures include Encouraging genetic counseling before marriage, promoting health screenings for pregnant women and infants, the wealthy section of society supporting treatment and research, and providing emotional and social support to affected families.
He urged everyone to take a collective pledge to eradicate Sickle Cell Anemia and build a healthier, pain-free future for every child in India.
Union Minister Smt. Savitri Thakur emphasized that awareness and education are the key to eliminating Sickle Cell Anemia. She expressed confidence that PM Modi’s goal of eradication by 2047 would be achieved.
Union Minister Durgadas Uikey described Governor Patel as a dedicated and compassionate leader, highlighting his extensive efforts across every district of Madhya Pradesh to raise awareness about Sickle Cell Anemia.
Water Resources Minister Tulsiram Silawat praised MY Hospital’s crucial role in treating Sickle Cell Anemia patients in Malwa’s tribal regions. He also announced that Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has approved Rs.750 crore for the hospital’s development.
At the beginning of the event, Dean Dr. Arvind Ghanghoria welcomed the guests, while Superintendent Dr. Ashok Yadav highlighted how MY Hospital’s Blood Bank is providing life-saving support to Sickle Cell Anemia patients.
Ruhi Khan, Deputy Director of the Sickle Cell Mission (MP), stated that PM Modi launched this mission in Madhya Pradesh on July 1, 2023, and Governor Patel’s commitment has been instrumental in its success in the state.
