Maharashtra Launches ‘Arunodaya’ Mission for Statewide Sickle Cell Screening | 16 Jan 2026

Why in News? 

Maharashtra Government has launched the ‘Arunodaya’ sickle cell screening drive in 21 high-prevalence districts to ensure early detection, timely treatment, and move towards a sickle cell-free state. 

Key Points 

• Implementing department: Maharashtra Public Health and Family Welfare Department. 
• Coverage and duration: Implemented from January 15 to February 7 across 21 districts covering tribal and high-risk population areas. 
• Objective: To ensure early detection, timely treatment, genetic counselling, and reduction in sickle cell disease-related morbidity and mortality. 
• Administrative support: Executed under the guidance of the Chief Minister of Maharashtra with monitoring by the State Public Health Department. 
• Integration with existing state programme: Aligned with the Sickle Cell Control Programme (since 2008)  
  • Providing free screening, diagnostics, medicines, blood transfusion, and telemedicine services. 
• Sickle cell anaemia: A hereditary haemoglobin disorder causing sickle-shaped red blood cells leading to chronic anaemia, pain crises, infections, and organ damage.