On the occasion of World Sickle Cell Day in India, 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. India has seen impressive progress in this matter by starting the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission, which has tested more than 7.19 crore people, of whom 2.46 lakh have been found to be sickle cell disease sufferers and over 20 lakh carriers. 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. Also necessary is the application of sophisticated imaging, wherein tools such as MRIs and ultrasounds will allow early detection of strokes, bone injuries, and organ complications long before symptoms arise. Ultimately, however, the end goal will not only be diagnosing Sickle Cell patients, but ensuring that all diagnoses result in monitoring and preventive care, and state-of-the-art diagnostics. With ongoing investment in screening, imaging, genetic counseling, and awareness campaigns, India stands at an incredible juncture where it can become a global leader in eradicating Sickle Cell Disease by 2047.
Arushi Jain, Director, Akums Drugs & Pharmaceutical Ltd
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. India’s National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission has made remarkable strides, with over 6 crore individuals screened across the country and more than 2.15 lakh patients and 16.7 lakh carriers identified. These efforts are helping bring a historically underdiagnosed condition into sharper focus, particularly in high-burden regions, while creating opportunities for timely intervention, counselling, and long-term disease management. 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. Early diagnosis can only translate into better outcomes when patients, particularly those in high-burden and underserved regions, have timely and affordable access to the treatments they need. Alongside treatment, continued investment in patient awareness, disease management, and healthcare infrastructure will be critical to improving quality of life and long-term outcomes for those living with sickle cell disease. For the pharmaceutical industry, this is not only a responsibility but also an opportunity to support national health priorities through innovation, reliable manufacturing, and affordable healthcare solutions. At Akums, we have contributed to this effort by developing a affordable and Room Temperature stable drug for the management of sickle cell disease, helping address key challenges around accessibility, treatment continuity, and long-term disease management. As India advances its goal of eliminating sickle cell anaemia as a public health challenge, we remain committed to supporting the country’s broader efforts to reduce the burden of the disease, strengthen access to quality medicines and care, and improve health outcomes for affected individuals and communities.