SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, June 20: IIT Indian School of Mines (ISM) conducted an awareness programme to mark World Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Day.
Dr Ravi R Jha, head of the department (HoD) o, Community Disease, Shahid Nirmal Mahto Medical College Hospital (SNMMCH), Dhanbad was chief speaker and shed light on various aspects of SCD and informed about the steps for its elimination.
Prabodh Pandey, registrar, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad Dr P Kumar, the chief medical officer of IIT (ISM) health centre and Prof Sanjoy Mandal, associate dean (Students Activities) also addressed the programme.
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Addressing the programme Dr Ravi R Jha said that SCD refers to a group of inherited blood disorders, wherein a genetic mutation causes abnormal haemoglobin to clump together, causing red blood cells to turn sickle shaped.
“These sickle shaped cells cause blockages in blood flow, which can lead to anaemia, pain, infection and other serious complications,” said Dr Jha .
He further added that individuals with sickle cell trait carry only one defective gene and typically live normal lives, but they can pass the gene to their children, therefore it is advisable for all adults and newborns to undergo a medical screening for sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait.
The other speakers including Dr P Kumar informed the gathering about the Government of India’s mission for elimination of SCD by 2047. The mission entails awareness creation, universal screening of 7 crore people in the age group of 0-40 years in the affected tribal areas.