Nagpur News:
“Sickle cell patients have a very weak immune system and hence need special vaccinations right from childhood. However, these vaccinations are expensive and thus unaffordable for these patients who are mostly tribal. These vaccinations therefore must be provided to them free of cost,” said noted pediatrician from the city Dr Uday Bodhankar.
He was addressing the state-level sickle cell gathering organised by Sickle cell society of India to mark World Sickle Cell day.
The gathering was inaugurated at the hands of a sickle cell child patient. Dr Bodhankar was speaking as the chief guest at the gathering which was also graced by incharge of Rajiv Gandhi Jeevandayi Yojna M S Pimpalgaonkar and Dr Navade.
Dr Bodhankar highlighted the needs and necessities of a sickle cell patient. The treatment of the disease is very expensive and unaffordable to poor tribal patients. The government has arranged for free treatment to these patients however, they do not have easy access to immunity building vaccinations. He urged the government to provide them with these special vaccinations for free. President of the society Sampat Ramteke made introductory remarks while Nilkanth Pande conducted the procedings.
A procession of sickle cell patients was taken out from Jhansi Rani square to Samvidhan Chowk under the leadership of Dr Nilkanth Pande and Sampath Ramteke. The members of the society demanded quick initiation of the sickle cell research institute and formulating the sickle cell prevention and treatment law. They also demanded starting a molecular genetic laboratory in the city.
