One hospital is making a difference in the fight against sickle cell illness.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic illness with no definitive cure, and its treatment is lifelong. It affects poor, young, rural, and from the same family. Patients often experience intense pain, high fever, chest infections, or severe anemia, needing blood transfusions. The disease shortens life by at least twenty years, and slow-progressing organ failure is common in older patients.

Dr. Ashita Singh, who works at Chinchpada Christian Hospital in Maharashtra, has faced several challenges in managing SCD. She has introduced measures to control the disease’s symptoms, making it bearable for the poor patients who receive treatment. One of Chinchpada Hospital’s initiatives is securing State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC) cards for around 250 of the 350 sickle cell disease patients, guaranteeing free blood transfusions across Maharashtra.

The hospital also provides free preventive vaccinations for SCD patients, subsidizing the cost of hydroxyurea, a drug that reduces defective haemoglobin entity (Hb S) and increases normal haemoglobin. This subsidy has significantly improved patient compliance and increased their quality of life.

Chinchpada Hospital also organizes events like World Sickle Cell Day and sends personalized birthday cards to patients, helping them feel valued and supported. On a community basis, the hospital conducts awareness programs in villages and schools to educate the community about SCD, its symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

The battle against SCD is far from over, as medical students and young doctors need adequate training to recognize and treat it. The lack of awareness and over-testing facilities further exacerbate the problem, leading to many undiagnosed and untreated cases.

In conclusion, the experience from Chinchpada Hospital shows that our approach to tackling SCD must be comprehensive, addressing not just the medical aspects but also the socio-economic factors perpetuating suffering. We cannot afford to lose this battle for the lives of those suffering from SCD.