Pilot project on sickle cell in Chhattisgarh

Raipur, Feb 27 (UNI) The Chhattisgarh government is planning to launch a pilot project on sickle cell disease with door-to-door survey to identify patients and to create awareness among the people about preventing this genetic disorder, Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh announced today.

''Sickle cell anaemia is a serious problem in Chhattisgarh'', he said while presenting the budget for fiscal 2007-08 in the assembly.

Dr Singh said Rs 70 crore had been earmarked to start a pilot project in Jawaharlal Nehru Medical college here for the purpose.

''The project will be extended to other districts as well on the basis of success of the pilot project'', he added.

Sickle cell anaemia is a serious disease in which the body makes abnormally shaped red blood cells. Normal red blood cells are smooth and round like a doughnut without a hole. They move easily through blood vessels to carry oxygen to all parts of the body.

In sickle cell anaemia, the body produces red blood cells that are shaped like a sickle or crescent. These ''sickle cells'' are hard and sticky and they don't move easily through blood vessels. They tend to get stuck and block the flow of blood to the limbs and organs. This can cause pain, organ damage and a low blood count (anaemia).

Sickle cell anaemia is a genetic disorder. People who have sickle cell anaemia are born with it. It is a lifelong disease.

The sickle-shaped red blood cells tend to get stuck in blood vessels, blocking the flow of blood.

UNI