Wayanad becomes first district in State to issue health cards for sickle-cell patients

Health Minister Veena George announces distribution of health cards to sickle-cell patients in Wayanad for free treatment and benefits.

Health Minister Veena George on Saturday announced that Wayanad had become the first district in the State to distribute health cards to sickle-cell patients.

She said the initiative aimed to ensure quick access to free treatment, pensions, and other benefits for patients.

The Minister was speaking at the inauguration of the sickle-cell unit in the newly constructed multipurpose building of the Mananthavady Government Medical College Hospital.

She said health cards would be made available to sickle-cell patients through their respective medical offices.

Sickle-cell anaemia is a blood disorder in which red blood cells take on a sickle, crescent, or C-shaped form, reducing their ability to carry oxygen and causing blockages in blood vessels.

The Minister further announced that a special unit with air-conditioned facilities would be set up for patients experiencing physical discomfort.

The 10-bed unit will include high-performance liquid chromatography test labs, along with physiotherapy, examination, and administrative rooms.