AIIMS-Bhubaneswar to Become a Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Management

AIIMS-Bhubaneswar is on the verge of being designated as a Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease management. Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram announced this during the World Sickle Cell Awareness Day celebration, highlighting the institute's crucial role in providing care to patients in Odisha and neighboring states. With over 700 registered patients, AIIMS-Bhubaneswar aims to enhance its research and treatment capabilities significantly. The government is committed to eradicating Sickle Cell Anaemia by 2047, with extensive screening already conducted across the country. This new status will further empower the institute to deliver quality healthcare and support to affected individuals and their families.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 20, 2025, 09:26 IST

AIIMS-Bhubaneswar's New Role in Sickle Cell Disease Care

Bhubaneswar: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bhubaneswar is poised to receive recognition as a Centre of Excellence (CoE) dedicated to the management and research of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). This announcement was made by Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram during the World Sickle Cell Awareness Day event held at the institute. Oram emphasized AIIMS-Bhubaneswar's vital contribution to delivering comprehensive care for SCD patients not just in Odisha but also in surrounding states. He stated, “Achieving the Centre of Excellence designation will significantly bolster AIIMS-Bhubaneswar’s capabilities in advanced research and high-quality treatment for Sickle Cell Disease.”

The Minister further remarked, “With the guidance of our Prime Minister, the Indian government is dedicated to eliminating Sickle Cell Anaemia by the year 2047.” He shared that nationwide screenings have reached 5.79 crore individuals, 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 aged between 0 and 19 years. The institute provides regular diagnostic services, treatment, and carrier screening, which includes testing extended family members of those affected, as explained by Ashutosh Biswas, the executive director of AIIMS-Bhubaneswar. He also mentioned 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. Biswas noted, “If both parents are carriers, there is a 25% chance that their child may be affected.”

During his visit, Oram engaged with SCD patients and their families, commending the institute's dedication to providing compassionate and comprehensive care, particularly for patients from tribal and underserved communities.