Bhubaneswar: Odisha has developed a comprehensive protocol for managing pregnancies complicated by sickle cell disease, aiming to reduce maternal health risks through timely diagnosis, systematic treatment and coordinated care.
The protocol was developed jointly by experts from state medical colleges, programme divisions of the National Health Mission (NHM), the Directorate of Health Services and UNICEF Odisha. It was unveiled at a one-day state-level review-cum-dissemination workshop on “Sickle Cell Disease during Pregnancy” held at a hotel in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.
The workshop was jointly organised by NHM Odisha, the Directorate of Blood Safety and UNICEF Odisha to review the implementation of the Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Programme and strengthen its delivery across 21 high-burden districts.
Odisha continues to be at the forefront of sickle cell screening and detection efforts in the country. The newly formulated protocol is expected to provide standardised clinical guidance and clearly define the responsibilities of healthcare providers at different levels.
Sickle cell disease during pregnancy poses significant health risks compared with unaffected pregnancies, making early identification, regular monitoring and appropriate medical intervention crucial for protecting maternal and child health.
The workshop was attended by district public health officers (DPHOs), assistant managers handling non-communicable diseases (NCDs), NHM officials and representatives of development partners, including the William J Clinton Foundation (WJCF).
The programme was inaugurated by NHM Mission Director-in-Charge Harish Chandra Nayak, Director of Blood Safety and Public Health Sanjay Kumar Mohapatra, Director of Family Welfare Bishnu Prasad Mohapatra, State Health Systems Resource Centre (SHSRC) team leader Bijay Kumar Mohapatra, Additional Director of Maternal Health Murlidhar Padhi and UNICEF Odisha Health Specialist Meena Som.
During the technical sessions, participants reviewed the current status of the sickle cell programme and discussed measures to improve screening, treatment, follow-up services and transportation benefits for patients. They also deliberated on new initiatives planned for the current year and received detailed orientation on implementing the newly developed pregnancy management protocol.
The workshop concluded with the formulation of a joint action plan to ensure effective and uniform implementation of the protocol at the district level.
