Hyderabad: The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), a research institute under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has signed an agreement with Tata Trust Foundation (TSF) and the National Health Mission (NHM) of Jharkhand. This partnership aims to screen people in Jharkhand for Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA).
This project brings together CCMB’s goal of early diagnosis and support for families affected by SCA, with TSF’s efforts to improve healthcare in Jharkhand. The initial phase of the project will help find out how common Sickle Cell Anaemia is in the state. The data collected will also help in planning ways to prevent and manage the disease.
A senior CCMB official explained that the screening will use a test called CSIR–SCAN. This is a simple and low-cost test developed under the leadership of Dr. Giriraj Ratan Chandak, a senior scientist at CCMB. The test uses just a drop of blood collected on special paper and does not need any extra processing. It can quickly and accurately identify people who are healthy, carriers, or affected by the disease.
The screening will start in the Kolhan region of Jharkhand, which includes the districts of East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, and Seraikela-Kharsawan. The testing will be carried out through the combined efforts of NHM and TSF. This partnership will help in detecting the disease early and spreading awareness among the people.
