AIIMS Bhubaneswar Named Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease

Bhubaneswar: Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram has announced that AIIMS Bhubaneswar will be accorded the status of Centre of Excellence (CoE) for the management and research of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). The announcement was made during a program held at the institute to mark World Sickle Cell Awareness Day.

During his visit, the Union Minister toured the facilities, interacted with SCD patients and their families, and participated in a review meeting and scientific session. He lauded AIIMS Bhubaneswar for its integrated approach to patient care, research, and education in the field of SCD.

Currently, AIIMS Bhubaneswar is providing comprehensive treatment to over 700 registered SCD patients, of whom more than 500 are children and adolescents aged between 0 and 19. Dr. Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director of the institute, welcomed the announcement and expressed confidence that the CoE status would significantly enhance the institution’s capabilities in treating and researching the disease.

Highlighting the government’s national commitment, Oram stated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Centre aims to eliminate sickle cell anemia by 2047. So far, over 5.79 crore people have been screened across India, with 2.10 lakh individuals diagnosed with the disease.

The new status is expected to bolster AIIMS Bhubaneswar’s role in leading the fight against SCD in eastern India and contribute meaningfully to the national eradication mission.