Bhubaneswar, Oct 23: Odisha has become the first state in India to introduce a dedicated protocol for managing pregnancies in women with sickle cell disease (SCD), marking a significant step towards improving maternal healthcare and reducing complications associated with the condition.
The protocol was unveiled on Thursday at a state-level workshop on “Sickle Cell Disease during Pregnancy” in Bhubaneswar. The event was jointly organised by the National Health Mission (NHM), the Directorate of Blood Safety and UNICEF Odisha.
The initiative aims to establish standardised clinical practices and clearly define the responsibilities of healthcare providers involved in caring for pregnant women affected by the disease.
New Guidelines to Strengthen Maternal Care
Titled Protocol for Management of Pregnancy with Sickle Cell Disease, the document outlines clinical procedures for managing pregnancies complicated by SCD and provides guidance for healthcare professionals at different levels of the health system.
The guidelines were developed with contributions from experts representing state medical colleges, NHM programme divisions, the health directorate and UNICEF.
The introduction of a dedicated protocol is intended to support more consistent clinical management, strengthen coordination among healthcare providers and improve care for expectant mothers living with sickle cell disease.
Workshop Reviews Sickle Cell Elimination Programme
The one-day workshop also reviewed the implementation of the Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Programme in Odisha.
Senior health officials from 21 districts with a high burden of the disease participated in the meeting, where discussions focused on improving screening, treatment and follow-up services.
Officials also reviewed transportation support and other initiatives planned for the current year to strengthen access to healthcare for people affected by sickle cell disease.
Focus on Better Screening and Follow-Up
The discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening healthcare services and ensuring that patients receive appropriate support throughout their treatment.
With the new pregnancy management protocol, Odisha aims to provide a more structured approach to caring for pregnant women with sickle cell disease, while ongoing programme reviews are expected to help identify gaps in screening, treatment and follow-up.
The initiative places greater emphasis on coordinated care and improved clinical management, with the broader objective of reducing health risks for mothers and supporting better pregnancy outcomes.