AIIMS Bhubaneswar Designated as Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Management

AIIMS Bhubaneswar Takes a Major Step in Healthcare

Bhubaneswar: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bhubaneswar is poised to become a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for sickle cell disease (SCD) management and research, as confirmed by Union Minister Jual Oram. This initiative represents a significant advancement in the healthcare landscape of Odisha.

During the World Sickle Cell Awareness Day event held at the institute, Minister Oram emphasized AIIMS Bhubaneswar's crucial role in delivering comprehensive care to SCD patients not only within Odisha but also in adjacent states.

He remarked, “Achieving Centre of Excellence status will significantly boost AIIMS Bhubaneswar’s capabilities in advanced research and high-quality treatment for sickle cell disease.”

Oram further stated that under the Prime Minister's visionary leadership, the Indian government is dedicated to eliminating sickle cell anaemia by the year 2047.

He shared that approximately 5.79 crore individuals have undergone screening nationwide, with 5.55 crore testing negative, 16.38 lakh identified as carriers, and 2.10 lakh diagnosed with the disease.

Currently, AIIMS Bhubaneswar is treating over 700 registered SCD patients, with more than 500 of them being in the 0–19 age bracket.

The institute provides regular diagnostic services, treatment, and carrier screening, which includes testing extended family members of affected patients, as explained by Dr. Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

Dr. Biswas also highlighted that the institute offers prenatal diagnostic services for early detection of conditions like Down syndrome, neural tube defects, thalassemia, and sickle cell anaemia within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.

He noted, “If both parents are carriers, there is a 25 percent chance that the child may be affected.”

During his visit, Oram engaged with SCD patients and their families, recognizing AIIMS Bhubaneswar's commitment to providing compassionate and comprehensive care, particularly for patients from tribal and underserved communities.