RAIPUR,CG: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday said India will transform into a developed nation by 2047 with complete eradication of sickle cell anaemia.

He was addressing a programme on World Sickle Cell Anaemia Day at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Auditorium, Medical College, Raipur.

He flagged off a sickle cell awareness chariot and visited an exhibition dedicated to sickle cell. He distributed genetic cards to sickle cell patients and released a sickle cell booklet in Halbi and Gondi languages.

Sai said, “Every individual should undergo sickle cell testing. Awareness is important for prevention. Before marriage, both men and women should be tested for sickle cell disease.”

He said the tribal communities in Chhattisgarh are prone to the disease. Awareness camps are being organized for affected patients. A proposal has been submitted to the Central Government to establish a national-level research centre for sickle cell in the state, aimed at enhancing disease prevention efforts.

Tribal Welfare Minister Ramvichar Netam reiterated the commitment and said the aim is to make the state healthy and developed.

Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal stressed the role of Mitanins in the state in prevention. Raising awareness and utilizing genetic cards are essential in effectively combating the disease.