A district-level workshop was held at the Surat District Panchayat under the Sickle Cell Elimination Mission-2047, in collaboration with Seva Rural, Jhagadia (Bharuch) and the Epidemic Department. The workshop provided accurate guidance to all Taluka Health Officers, Medical Officers of Primary Health Centers, and Sickle Cell Counselors on the prevention and control of hereditary Sickle Cell Anemia.
Expert doctors from Seva emphasized the importance of educating pregnant women and patients at the village level who are affected by Sickle Cell Anemia. Essential steps for managing the condition, such as drinking plenty of water, regularly taking folic acid, avoiding unnecessary physical exertion, and refraining from visiting high-altitude areas, were discussed. Pregnant women with Sickle Cell were advised to ensure delivery under the supervision of a specialist doctor and to undergo regular medical check-ups.
It is noteworthy that Surat district has 2,691 registered Sickle Cell Anemia patients and 24,892 trait carriers (those carrying the gene for Sickle Cell Anemia). The workshop stressed that two individuals with Sickle Cell traits or the disease should not marry each other, and a blood test should be done for Sickle Cell before marriage.
Under the guidance of Divisional Deputy Director Dr. Jyoti Gupta and Chief District Health Officer Dr. Anil B. Patel, the workshop reviewed the ongoing efforts of the District Health Department, and important instructions were provided for future initiatives.
