Bhubaneswar: Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram announced that AIIMS-Bhubaneswar will be granted Centre of Excellence (CoE) status for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) management and research. The announcement was made on the occasion of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
Oram visited the facilities, interacted with SCD patients and their families, and participated in a review meeting and scientific session. He praised AIIMS Bhubaneswar’s holistic approach to care, research, and education in SCD management.
The institute is currently providing comprehensive treatment to over 700 registered sickle cell patients, with more than 500 in the 0-19 age group. AIIMS Bhubaneswar Executive Director Dr. Ashutosh Biswas expressed confidence that the CoE status will further strengthen the institute’s position in SCD research and treatment.
The Union Minister also highlighted the government’s commitment to eliminating sickle cell anemia by 2047, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. So far, 5.79 crore people have been screened across the country, with 2.10 lakh identified as suffering from the disease.
