Pic credit:x.com/HFWOdisha
Cuttack, Sept. 10 (UDN): Odisha has strengthened its fight against sickle cell disease with the inauguration of a new Centre of Competency at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. The facility, inaugurated by Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling at the Department of Haematology, aims to enhance early diagnosis, specialised treatment and long-term care for patients across the state.
The new centre has been designed to provide comprehensive services for individuals affected by sickle cell disease, a hereditary blood disorder that requires continuous monitoring and timely medical intervention. It will also support the diagnosis and treatment of other blood-related disorders while improving patient follow-up and counselling services.
Advanced technology for early detection
A key highlight of the facility is the introduction of advanced diagnostic equipment that can identify sickle cell disease in newborns through blood sample testing, enabling treatment to begin at an early stage.
The centre has also been equipped with new technology for detecting cancerous cells in newborns and a Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) system that allows doctors to analyse DNA at the gene level using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-based techniques.
Speaking at the inauguration, Mahaling said these technologies would help detect conditions that often go unnoticed until complications arise, paving the way for more precise and personalised treatment.
First-of-its-kind government facility in eastern India
According to the minister, SCB Medical College has become the first government hospital in eastern India and the first in Odisha to offer such an integrated approach to sickle cell diagnosis and genetic testing. He added that a similar facility will also be established at VIMSAR Medical College in Burla to expand access to advanced care.
Focus on awareness and workforce training
Beyond clinical services, the Centre of Competency will conduct awareness programmes on sickle cell disease and provide counselling to patients and their families. It will also focus on strengthening the skills of healthcare professionals to improve disease management across Odisha.
The new facility is expected to create a more coordinated system for screening, treatment and long-term monitoring, offering renewed hope for thousands of patients living with sickle cell disease in the state.