Omkareshwar, June 19 (IANS) Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh witnessed a historic moment on Friday as President Droupadi Murmu participated in the International Sickle Cell Day commemoration aimed at eliminating one of the most challenging genetic disorders.

Addressing the gathering, the President described the observance as a meaningful effort in tackling a pressing health sector issue and praised the remarkable progress achieved under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission. She highlighted that the mission’s target of screening 7 crore individuals, from newborns to those up to 40 years of age, was accomplished ahead of schedule.

Calling it one of the largest genetic disease screening initiatives in the world, President Murmu noted that such a feat reflects the nation’s commitment to public health. The mission has already detected approximately 2.5 lakh patients and identified over 20 lakh carriers of sickle cell disease, a scale that she said demands deeper understanding and sustained healthcare support.

The President commended both the Central and State governments for not only identifying patients and carriers but also ensuring proper healthcare facilities for them.

She particularly lauded Madhya Pradesh’s contribution, citing the record screening of over 4 lakh women during the “Swasth Woman, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan” held between September 17 and October 2, 2025. This initiative, she said, exemplifies the state’s proactive role in combating the disease.

President Murmu also drew attention to the “Sickle Mitra” initiative launched by the Madhya Pradesh government last year on International Sickle Cell Day. Through this programmr, representatives from government and non-government institutions, voluntary organisations, and NCC cadets have been trained to spread awareness and extend assistance to patients.

She expressed confidence that such collective strength and active participation across states will help India achieve its national goal of eradicating sickle cell-related diseases well before 2047.

The commemoration at Omkareshwar thus became not only a celebration of progress but also a reaffirmation of India’s determination to overcome genetic health challenges through mission-mode action, community engagement, and unwavering political will.

–IANS

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