AIIMS Bhubaneswar to lead as Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease

“So far, 5.79 crore people have been screened across the country. Among them, 5.55 crore tested negative, 16.38 lakh have been identified as carriers, and 2.10 lakh have been diagnosed with the disease,” Oram stated.

AIIMS Bhubaneswar currently provides treatment to over 700 registered SCD patients, more than 500 of whom are in the 0–19 age group.

The institute offers regular diagnostic services, treatment, and carrier screening — including screening of extended family members of affected individuals — according to AIIMS Bhubaneswar Executive Director Dr. Ashutosh Biswas.

Dr. Biswas also informed that the institute provides prenatal diagnostic services for early detection of conditions such as Down syndrome, neural tube defects, thalassemia, and Sickle Cell Anaemia within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.

He noted, “If both parents are carriers, there is a 25 per cent chance that the child may be affected.”

During his visit to the institute, Oram personally interacted with SCD patients and their families. He acknowledged the commitment of AIIMS Bhubaneswar in offering compassionate and comprehensive care, especially to patients from tribal and underserved communities.

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