Gujarat’s First Sickle Cell CoC to Open in Surat

Surat, Gujarat — In a major healthcare milestone, Gujarat’s first ‘Center of Competence’ (CoC) for the elimination of sickle cell anemia will be established at the New Civil Hospital in the diamond city of Surat, with an allocation of ₹6 crore approved by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. The center is aimed at transforming diagnosis, treatment, awareness, and research related to sickle cell anemia—especially prevalent among tribal populations.

Announcing the development, Gujarat’s Tribal Development Minister Dr. Kuber Dindor said,“Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his tenure as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, laid a strong foundation for combating sickle cell anemia as early as 2005-06. Today, that vision has materialized into a dedicated center that will lead Gujarat’s efforts in eradicating this disease.”

Dr. Dindor highlighted that Gujarat has been a national model in managing sickle cell anemia, with initiatives in place in districts like Bardoli through collaborations with VRK Blood Donation Center and the Sickle Cell Foundation.

The Surat CoC will house a modern laboratory, 30-bed facility, and two ICU beds. It will be staffed with trained nodal officers, sickle cell counselors, and healthcare professionals from 14 tribal districts of Gujarat. These teams will be equipped to provide free testing, care, education, and long-term follow-up of patients—a service that typically costs ₹200–300 in private labs.

Minister Dr. Dindor added,“Our efforts—under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel—have made Gujarat a model state for tribal healthcare. The Surat CoC will be a game-changer in this campaign.”

Minister of State for Tribal Development Kunwarji Halpati echoed the sentiment, stating,“South Gujarat has a high tribal population and the largest number of sickle cell patients. Selecting Surat for the CoC reflects the government’s sensitivity toward the health of tribal communities. This center will bring real, result-oriented change.”

The CoC will serve as a hub for research, training, and capacity building. Training materials will be made available in local tribal dialects, and the center will facilitate scientific studies on genetic diseases in partnership with government and voluntary organizations.

An official from the Health Department noted that the interdepartmental coordination between the Tribal Development and Health Departments ensures that programs are effectively implemented throughout the year, especially among school and college students in tribal areas.

With the launch of the Surat CoC, Gujarat joins 16 other states selected for the national sickle cell anemia eradication program. The center is expected to not only improve healthcare access for tribal communities but also act as a knowledge and treatment hub for similar initiatives across the country.