Bhubaneswar: Odisha has achieved a milestone by becoming the first state in India to implement a specialized protocol for the care of pregnant women diagnosed with sickle cell disease (SCD), a strategic initiative designed to lower maternal mortality rates.
This protocol outlines clinical guidelines and assigns clear responsibilities to healthcare professionals across various levels.
Developed collaboratively by experts from state medical colleges, the National Health Mission (NHM), the Health Directorate, and UNICEF Odisha, the protocol acknowledges the increased health risks faced by pregnant women with sickle cell disease and the necessity for prompt medical intervention, as stated by the Health and Family Welfare Department.
The new framework was presented during a one-day workshop titled “Sickle Cell Disease during Pregnancy,” held in Bhubaneswar on Thursday. This event was co-hosted by NHM Odisha, the Directorate of Blood Safety, and UNICEF Odisha.
During the workshop, participants reviewed the progress of the Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Programme and educated district public health officers and assistant managers from 21 districts with a high prevalence of sickle cell disease about the new protocol. The event saw participation from NHM officials, health administrators, and various development partners.
Odisha is at the forefront of sickle cell screening and detection initiatives in India. The newly introduced protocol aims to enhance maternal healthcare by ensuring systematic management, prompt treatment, and coordinated follow-up for pregnant women affected by the condition.
The workshop was inaugurated by NHM Mission Director (In-charge) Harish Chandra Nayak, along with Sanjay Kumar Mohapatra, Director of Blood Safety and Public Health, Bishnu Prasad Mohapatra, Director of Family Welfare, and Meena Som, a health specialist from UNICEF Odisha, among other officials.
Technical sessions during the workshop focused on screening, treatment, follow-up services, transportation assistance, and new initiatives planned for the year.
The event concluded with the development of a joint action plan aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of the protocol at the district level, thereby enhancing coordinated care for pregnant women living with sickle cell disease.
