South Gujarat Shines at National Sickle Cell Summit

Surat | Gujarat — At the National Mega Sickle Cell Summit held on 16th August 2025 at Nagpur under the auspices of the National Alliance of Sickle Cell Organisations (NASCO), two eminent contributors from South Gujarat were felicitated for their outstanding service.

Bhavesh Raycha, associated with Valsad Raktdan Kendra since 1996, was honoured for his pioneering role in developing and implementing the Sickle Cell Anemia Control Program in Gujarat. Over the years, he has trained numerous counsellors, technicians, and health workers, shaping the state’s program and ensuring better care for patients.

Dr. Ruchita Patel, Assistant Professor of Pathology at NAMO Medical College, Silvassa, and herself a sickle cell warrior, was recognised for her tireless advocacy and patient-centric work. With her unique blend of professional expertise and personal commitment, she continues to spread awareness and improve the quality of life of patients. Recently, she also represented India at an international sickle cell conference in Switzerland.

Their recognition at a national platform reflects South Gujarat’s pivotal role in India’s ambitious mission to eliminate sickle cell disease as a public health problem by 2047.

The NASCO is India’s first voluntary organisation constituted by patient advocacy groups to educate and empower Sickle Cell Disease patients and caregivers for a better quality of life. 

The summit was held on its 5th anniversary,

NASCO is working closely with the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, a government initiative in India that is part of the National Health Mission. This joint effort by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Ministry of Tribal Development, and the Ministry of Social Justice aims to eliminate sickle cell disease as a public health issue by 2047.

Dr. Yazdi Italia, a Padmashri awardee, was the chief guest at the event, accompanied by Dr. Sunil Khaparde, Advisor on Public Health at the Ministry of Health, Government of India, and Mr. Prabhat Sinha, a leader of a patients’ advocacy group on Sickle Cell Anemia, as guests of honor. Mr. Gautam Dongre, the secretary of NASCO, explained that involving sickle cell patients and their parents is crucial for the success of the government program. He mentioned that more than 400 delegates from various states in India participated actively as Sickle Cell Disease patients and caregivers. Several distinguished speakers highlighted current and future treatment options and strategies for eliminating the disease.

Dr. Italia said that the Sickle Cell Anemia Program of the Government of India is unique in the world. None of the countries has initiated steps towards the elimination of this genetic disease. India is the first and foremost country to establish a massive diagnostic, counseling, routine treatment, and crisis management free under the new policy Ayushman Bharat, under the National Health Mission.

Along with medical facilities, the government provides financial assistance as well, as the disease is considered one of the disabilities along with thalassemia & hemophilia. He advised the patients to take advantage of all these facilities and make other patients aware of this. Dr. Italia said the Sickle Cell Anemia Program is not just a health program — it is a social revolution. What was once a distant dream has now become a national commitment.