Chhattisgarh’s Sickle Cell Institute in Raipur will be transformed into a World-Class Centre of Excellence

Raipur: Chief minister Bhupesh Baghel performed the bhumipujan for the Sickle Cell Institute’s Centre of Excellence at Raipur’s Devendra Nagar. Spanning 2.96 acres, the institute will cost Rs 48.12 crore and offer world-class facilities. The centre aims to benefit not only the state’s residents but also those in neighbouring states.

During the programme, chief minister Bhupesh Baghel highlighted the significant advancements made in the healthcare sector over the past four and a half years. The initiatives taken for the expansion of healthcare facilities through Haat Bazar and other means have greatly benefited the people of the state. Notably, the Malaria Mukt Bastar Abhiyan and Malaria Mukt Chhattisgarh Abhiyan have contributed to a 65 per cent reduction in malaria cases. Sickle cell disease affects around 10 per cent of Chhattisgarh’s population, posing a major challenge. To address this issue, the government is committed to upgrading the state’s Sickle Cell Institute as a ‘Centre of Excellence’, enhancing facilities, and accelerating research. Alongside treatment, raising awareness about sickle cell prevention is crucial. Timely initiation of appropriate treatment and timely availability of medications can minimise physical complications and enable patients to lead longer lives. Early identification of the disease is of utmost importance, and providing necessary counselling to individuals with the sickle cell trait can help curb the spread of the disease.

The Sickle Cell Institute currently offers free examinations, consultations, treatment, and medications for sickle cell patients. Starting from October 2022, sickle cell test and counselling centres have been established in all district hospitals and government medical colleges across the state. This initiative is now being expanded to lower levels with the setup of testing and counselling centres in community health centres at the development block level. Furthermore, the plan is to extend these centres to primary health centres as well. The identification of sickle cell patients will be carried out at the village level through Mitanins (community health workers), followed by the provision of necessary treatment.

Health Minister T.S. Singh Deo announced the upgrade of the Sickle Cell Institute of Raipur to a Centre of Excellence. Spanning 2.96 acres, this project will cost Rs 48 crore and focus on providing modern facilities to benefit patients in the future. The centre will accommodate 100 beds and include essential amenities such as an emergency ward, operation theatres, intensive care units, outpatient departments, male and female wards, and a paediatric ward. Additionally, a dedicated research laboratory building will be constructed, equipped with various labs for genetic-level research. This will enable extensive studies on treatment methods for the disease and contribute to advancements in sickle cell research.

In addition to the upgrades, the Sickle Cell Institute is undergoing further construction to enhance its facilities. An auditorium capable of accommodating 250 individuals and a recreational block are being built to provide entertainment options for children affected by sickle cell disease. A canteen is also under construction to cater to the needs of relatives accompanying patients from distant areas. Furthermore, a training block is being developed to house a training centre, classrooms, and accommodations for staff involved in sickle cell-related work. As part of the expansion, 24 flats are also being constructed to ensure the round-the-clock availability of doctors for patient care.