Home / Health / Maharashtra Launches Sickle Cell Screening Campaign
Maharashtra Launches Sickle Cell Screening Campaign
19 Dec
Summary
- A statewide sickle cell disease screening campaign is set to begin in Maharashtra.
- Preparations for the campaign will occur between December 18, 2025, and January 15, 2026.
- Over 312,000 sickle cell cases are registered across 21 districts in the state.
A comprehensive public health initiative to screen for sickle cell disease is set to roll out across Maharashtra. Preparatory work is scheduled from December 18, 2025, to January 15, 2026, with the active screening phase commencing on January 15 and concluding on January 31, 2026. Health officials convened to discuss the critical details of this campaign.
The state currently reports a substantial burden of sickle cell disease, with 312,996 individuals affected as of December 18, 2025. This includes 288,833 carriers and 24,163 individuals with the active disease across 21 districts. The screening will cover a wide geographical area, encompassing numerous districts.
Sickle cell disease is an inherited condition that causes red blood cells to become misshapen, potentially blocking blood flow and leading to serious complications such as organ damage and increased mortality, especially in children. Officials also discussed the regular disbursement of salaries for healthcare staff.
