In a landmark push to eradicate sickle cell disease a life-threatening genetic disorder disproportionately affecting India’s tribal communities the government has announced a ₹10 crore prize for developing a new drug to treat the disease.

Key highlights:

Massive incentive for innovation

• Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Durgadas Uikey, launched the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Prize to reward innovators who develop a novel treatment for sickle cell disease.

• The winning proposal will receive up to ₹10 crore in funding, overseen jointly by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and AIIMS Delhi.

A nationwide mission

• This announcement follows PM Modi’s launch of the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Eradication Mission on 1 July 2023, aiming to eliminate the disease by 2047.

• The initiative targets screening 7 crore people under 40 years as part of early detection and intervention efforts.

Current treatment gaps

• At present, only one drug exists for managing sickle cell disease.

• Patients have no alternative options tailored to different medical profiles especially problematic in pregnancy or comorbidities.

• The lack of therapeutic diversity is seen as a critical gap in treatment.

Tribal health research hub at AIIMS

• The government also plans to set up a Centre for Tribal Health and Research Institute under AIIMS Delhi.

• This Centre will include:

  • Inpatient and outpatient care

  • Specialist referrals from tribal areas

  • Policy research and guidance

New course in tribal medicine

• A postgraduate course in tribal medicine will be introduced to train doctors in culturally contextualised public health and clinical skills for tribal regions.

• This move is aimed at closing long-standing health inequities among India’s tribal populations.

With the announcement of this prize and the establishment of specialized tribal health infrastructure, India is taking a targeted, long-term approach to eliminate sickle cell disease. The initiative blends innovation, education, and policy reform, setting a precedent for health equity and indigenous healthcare reform.