Sickle cell disease in Maharashtra! Critical situation in some districts of Vidarbha, North Maharashtra and Marathwada
Sickle cell disease is not only a medical problem but also becoming a major public health challenge in Maharashtra. Studies at the state and national levels have consistently revealed that the prevalence of this genetic disorder is significant, especially in tribal areas. Caused by a congenital defect in the structure of red blood cells, this disease can cause pain, infection, of organs increased risk of damage and premature death; Therefore, early diagnosis and long-term management are essential. Scientific studies indicate that the prevalence of HBS (Sickle Cell Mass) in the tribal communities of the state is as high as 30 to 35 percent in some places. The disease and its carriers are widely found in some districts of Vidarbha, North Maharashtra and Marathwada. It is against this backdrop that the state has rapidly rolled out cycles of comprehensive screening and treatment under the National Sickle Cell Anemia Eradication Campaign. (Photo courtesy – istock)
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Special campaign will be conducted in 21 districts:
Meanwhile, in the 21 districts where the prevalence of sickle cell disease is high in the state, ‘Sickle Cell Inspection Special Fortnight’ will be implemented from 15th to 31st January 2026. Health Minister Prakash Abitkar has directed that all the systems should work in coordination with the health department during the period of 18th December 2025 to 15th January 2026.
These districts are known to have sickle cell disease:
Sickle cell control program has been effectively implemented in tribal and remote areas since 2008, covering 21 districts namely Thane, Nashik, Nandurbar, Amravati, Gondia, Gadchiroli, Palghar, Nagpur, Wardha, Chandrapur, Bhandara, Yavatmal, Dhule, Jalgaon, Buldhana, Nanded, Washim, Akola, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Raigad and Hingoli. The trials have been conducted from 2019 to October 2025.
Sickle cell is a serious blood cell disease. In these six years from 2019 to 31st October 2025, 1 crore 5 lakh 86 thousand 733 citizens were examined in the state. In this examination, 12 thousand 420 patients have been diagnosed with sickle cell disease. Also, since this disease is genetic, there is a possibility of children getting it from parents.
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Serious symptoms of sickle cell disease:
- A decrease in the level of hemoglobin in the blood.
- Swelling of the limbs.
- Appetite suppression
- Increased pain in the joints
- Dull appearance of the face due to early fatigue.
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