The Odisha government has directed intensified efforts to combat sickle cell disease (SCD) and thalassemia, with special focus on high-risk zones of the state.Health and Family Welfare Secretary Aswathy S. issued this directive while reviewing the progress of the ongoing programme at a high-level meeting held at Lokseba Bhawan on Monday.Mission Director, NHM, Dr. Brundha D. highlighted that 21 districts of Odisha— including Angul, Balangir, Balasore, Bargarh, Boudh, Deogarh, Gajapati, Ganjam, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Keonjhar, Koraput, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Rayagada, Sambalpur, Subarnapur and Sundargarh—are currently covered under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission. Screening is being conducted through multiple platforms such as schools, anganwadi centres, antenatal care camps, mobile health units in tribal areas, and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in urban centres. In addition, nine other less-risk districts also have screening facilities at health centres.Since the programme’s launch in July 2023, around 46.65 lakh people have been screened against the cumulative target of 1.08 crore by 2025-26. Of these, 97,501 sickle cell cases and over 4.11 lakh carriers have been identified. All identified patients are receiving free treatment in government hospitals.The government has rolled out several welfare measures for SCD patients. Each registered patient receives Rs 500 per month towards transportation expenses, free medicines, and exemption from blood service charges. Free blood packs are also provided, and children under 12 years of age are eligible for financial assistance up to Rs 10 lakh for bone marrow transplants.Senior officials, including Special Secretary Health & FW Dr. Bijaya Mohapatra, Special Secretary Smita Biswal, Director Family Welfare Dr. Biswamohan Mishra, Additional Secretary Srikanta Majhi and others, participated in the meeting.