India's First Sickle Cell Hub

• 10 Apr 2025

Why in News? 

Recently, India's first sickle cell wellness hub was established at the Sickle Cell Excellence Center located at Bal Chikitsalaya in Udaipur district of Rajasthan. It was inaugurated by the Tribal Minister of Rajasthan . 

Key Points 

• About Wellness Hub: 
  • This hub is the country's first digital active centre , which provides facilities ranging from screening to consultation for sickle cell patients. 
  • Its main objective is to ensure prevention, timely detection and effective treatment of serious disease like  sickle cell which is widely spread in tribal communities . 
  • This center will provide screening, counselling, and OPD (Outpatient Department) services to patients at one place through digital medium , so that even remote areas can be connected to health services. 
  • This initiative will act as a model system in the field of health, through joint efforts of the State and Central Governments and collaboration with social organizations. 

 Sickle cell disease (SCD) 

• Introduction: 
  • SCD is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. The disease involves abnormalities in hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen. In SCD, the red blood cells become stiff and sticky and look like a C-shaped agricultural tool called a "sickle." 
• Symptoms: 
  • The symptoms of sickle cell disease can vary, but some common symptoms include: 
    • Chronic anemia: It causes fatigue, weakness and paleness in the body. 
    • Acute pain (also known as sickle cell crisis): This can cause sudden, unbearable pain in the bones, chest, back, arms, and legs. 
    • Delay in puberty and physical development. 
• Treatment: 
  • Blood transfusions: These can help relieve anemia and reduce the risk of acute pain. 
  • Hydroxyurea: This medication can help reduce the frequency of pain episodes and control long-term complications of the disease. 
  • It can also be  treated by bone marrow or stem cell transplantation.