On World Sickle Cell Day, experts are highlighting that the fight against sickle cell disease depends on more than treatment alone- it requires early diagnosis, wider screening, and long-term follow-up care. In India, the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission has already screened millions of people, but experts say the next phase must focus on making diagnostics, genetic counseling and preventive monitoring more accessible across high-burden regions.
(Padma Shri) Dr Harsh Mahajan, Mentor, FICCI Health and Founder of Mahajan Imaging & Labs, said sickle cell disease is far more than a blood disorder. “On the occasion of World Sickle Cell Day, one must keep in mind that sickle cell disease is not just a disease of the blood; it is a chronic illness that has the potential to silently cause organ damage to the brain, lungs, bones, kidneys and liver, among others. Since the inherited sickle cell disease starts showing its symptoms from childhood, diagnosis at an early stage and regular follow-ups are essential for better results,” he said.
He added that India has made strong progress through the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission, but the country must now deepen its diagnostic network. “Looking ahead, the next step in our battle against Sickle Cell Disease will involve a great deal of work in improving diagnostics. Screening will need to be made accessible to all children born in high-incidence areas, and people who have relatives with the disease will require genetic screening before marriage or before conceiving,” he said. He also stressed the need for advanced imaging tools such as MRIs and ultrasounds to detect strokes, bone injuries, and organ complications early, before symptoms become severe. He said India has an opportunity to become a global leader in eliminating sickle cell disease by 2047 through sustained investment in screening, imaging, counseling, and awareness.
Arushi Jain, Director, Akums Drugs & Pharmaceutical Ltd, said World Sickle Cell Day should serve as a reminder that awareness and early detection must be matched by reliable access to treatment. “World Sickle Cell Day is a reminder that meaningful progress against sickle cell disease begins with awareness, early detection and sustained access to quality healthcare,” she said, adding that India’s elimination mission has helped identify patients and carriers in large numbers. She noted that this effort is especially important in high-burden areas, where underdiagnosis has long delayed care.
Jain said access to medicines must now keep pace with expanded screening. “As more individuals enter the healthcare system through screening programmes, ensuring the widespread availability and uninterrupted supply of safe, effective, and quality-assured medicines becomes increasingly important,” she said. She added that early diagnosis only improves outcomes when patients can also access affordable treatment, continuous care, and a strong healthcare infrastructure. Jain said Akums has contributed by developing an affordable, room-temperature stable drug for sickle cell disease management, and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting India’s public health goals.
India’s next phase
India’s progress on sickle cell disease is moving from identification to long-term disease control. Experts say the next challenge is not just finding patients, but ensuring they receive consistent monitoring, counseling, and treatment after diagnosis. With stronger screening in childhood, better genetic counseling, and wider access to quality medicines, the country can reduce the burden of the disease over time.
