A recent survey conducted in Attappady by the Health Department has identified 26 more acute cases of sickle cell anaemia among the region’s tribal population and the total number of tribal people suffering from an acute form of this dreaded genetic disorder has now rose to 153.
In addition, the department has found 199 carriers of the disorder and their condition may turn worse if immediate treatment and rehabilitation measures are not initiated.
Among the Kurumba, Irula, and Muduka tribal communities that inhabit the region, a large number of cases of the disorder are not getting reported. As per unofficial estimates, the number of tribal people vulnerable to the disease in the region is more than 1,500.
Slowing of blood flow
According to Health Department officials, sickle cell anaemia is an inherited blood disorder seen widely among tribal people of Attappady, Wayanad, and Idukki. The disorder is highly prevalent among the tribes in all south Indian States. The disorder causes abnormally shaped haemoglobin to form in red blood cells and they cause slowing or prevention of regular blood flow.
Those who suffer from the disease experience pain, anaemia, infection, leg ulcers, stroke, jaundice, acute chest syndrome, organ damage, and blindness.
As far as Attappady is concerned, mega rehabilitation packages announced earlier for patients are yet to be implemented. Hospitals in the region are ill-equipped even to diagnose the disease. The affected people are not getting any special treatment as promised earlier by the government. Those hailing from remote tribal settlements often refuse to get treated.
Most of the patients are daily wage labourers who find it difficult to carry out heavy work because of their health condition. Though the government has sanctioned a monthly pension of ₹1,000 for those who are unable to do routine jobs, the disbursal of the amount is often delayed.
According to Attappady’s nodal medical officer R. Prabhudas, those affected by this genetic disorder inherit defective genes of sickle haemoglobin, one each, from their parents, making them prone to severe anaemia. “We are initiating a large-scale awareness drive and counselling as prevention is better than cure. The disorder can even cause death in childhood, unless treated on time. However, the carriers of sickle cell genes do not suffer from the disease as they have only one defective gene of sickle haemoglobin. But, if they marry another carrier, their children are susceptible to the disease,” said Mr. Prabhudas.
The disease gets transmitted from one generation to the next if both the parents have sickle cell haemoglobin traits in their bodies. “Improved access to quality treatment is important in improving the health of patients living with sickle cell disorder. The government has to address the issue seriously,” tribal activist K.A. Ramu said.