CRMCH to focus on haemoglobinopathies control programmes

Chandrapur: The Indian Council of Medical Research’s Centre for Research Management and Control of Haemoglobinopathies (ICMR-CRMCH) under ICMR-National Institute of Immunohaematology (ICMR-NIIH) in Chandrapur will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday.
The centre was started as a satellite centre for molecular diagnosis of sickle cell and thalassaemia back in 2015, thanks to the initiative taken by then union minister of state Hansraj Ahir. Later, antenatal and newborn screening for sickle cell too was initiated at the centre.
PM Modi had laid the foundation of this centre, located on Ghugus Road in Chandrapur MIDC, in 2019. Despite Covid-19 pandemic, the construction of the centre was completed within three years. Director general of ICMR, Dr Rajvi Bahl said that haemoglobinopathies especially beta thalassaemia and sickle cell disease (SCD) are the most common single gene disorders in India and pose a significant burden on the healthcare system.
“The prevalence of SCD in the Vidarbha region, particularly in tribal population, is high with expected carrier frequency as high as 35% in certain tribal groups. The work of ICMR-CRMCH, Chandrapur, in this context will be critical in enhancing haemoglobinopathies control programmes in the region,” Bahl said.
Director of the centre, Dr Manisha Madkaikar, said that the centre is equipped with world class facilities. “It will provide services of screening, testing and genetic counselling for patients from not only Vidarbha region but also surrounding states like Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana. The centre will also run a haematology clinic and a daycare facility for patients with haemoglobinopathies,” she stated.
The centre will have state of art diagnostic and research facilities including bio-banking and proteomics facilities. Community control programmes and basic and translational research programmes will be undertaken through the centre. The centre will also support the state and district administrations by confirming diagnosis, offering prevention programmes by prenatal diagnosis and screening of newborns.
IN A NUTSHELL
ICMR-CRMCH started as satellite center in District Malaria office in 2015Foundation of CRMCH was laid by PM Narendra Modi in 2019
Construction of full-fledged facility on four acres of land completed in three years despite Covid-19 pandemic
Centre playing key role is enhancing haemoglobinopathies control programmes in the region
Prevalence of sickle cell disease is high among the tribal populations with expected carrier frequency as high as 35% in certain tribal groups
Apart from Vidarbha surrounding states like Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana to also benefit from center