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Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: On Tuesday, Governor Mangubhai Patel lauded Madhya Pradesh’s leadership in the battle against tuberculosis (TB) and sickle cell anemia, stating that the state has made significant strides in eliminating these pressing health concerns.
During a review meeting at his office in Bhopal, Governor Patel commended the state government’s ongoing health initiatives, noting that the rapid progress in these campaigns is a testament to their efficient execution. He emphasized that these achievements should serve as motivation to continue pushing for new records and further successes in the health sector.
The meeting, which was attended by State Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Singh Patel, Higher Education Minister Inder Singh Parmar, and senior officials, also focused on the implementation of the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act. Governor Patel emphasized the need to empower tribal communities by ensuring they are well-informed about the rights granted to Gram Sabhas under the PESA Act.
One of the key aspects of the Governor’s address was the integration of modern and traditional medicine systems in tackling both TB and sickle cell anemia. Governor Patel specifically called for the involvement of the AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) department in treating these diseases. He also urged for research into the effectiveness of Ayurveda and homeopathy in managing TB and sickle cell anemia, suggesting that parallel studies be conducted to explore their potential benefits.
In line with these efforts, Governor Patel stressed the importance of public awareness about the availability of affordable medicines at Jan Aushadhi Kendras, ensuring these resources are accessible to patients and carriers of TB and sickle cell anemia.
The issue of sickle cell anemia is particularly pertinent to Madhya Pradesh, with the state having one of the highest prevalence rates in India. In July 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Sickle Cell Anemia Eradication Mission, which aims to address the health challenges posed by this disease, particularly among the tribal population in the state.
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Madhya Pradesh has reported 9,61,492 sickle cell carriers, with 67,861 people affected by sickle cell anemia. The disease is most prevalent in the six tribes of Pradhan, Panika, Barela, Bhilala, Jharia, and Mehra, spanning across 15 districts including Jhabua, Alirajpur, and Dhar, among others.
With the support of AYUSH and continued collaboration between modern and traditional medical systems, the state hopes to build on its success and further reduce the burden of TB and sickle cell anemia in the region.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on statements issued by government officials and health department sources. The accuracy of the data is contingent upon the information available at the time of publication.
