The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with the All India Institute of Medical Science, Delhi, will undertake a competition for drug development for the treatment of sickle cell disease, which disproportionately affects India’s tribal populations. The selected proposal will be funded up to 10 cores rupees. Minister of State Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey made this announcement today while addressing a gathering in AIIMS, New Delhi, on the occasion of World Sickle cell Day. He said that all efforts would be made to eradicate sickle cell disease from the country by the end of 2047. He stated that there would be no dearth of funds in eliminating the dreaded disease Sickle cell anaemia.
The Minister also interacted with patients of sickle cell anaemia and their families and assured them of all support from Central and state governments. Mr Uikey further assured them about the free availability of all medicines associated with the management of the disease.