Rapti Academy of Health Sciences to Conduct Sickle Cell Anemia Tests on 5,000 People

Butwal / Dec. 06. The Rapti Academy of Health Sciences (RAHS) is set to conduct sickle cell anemia tests on 5,000 people in Dang district.

Dang has a large Tharu population, and sickle cell anemia is more prevalent in the Tharu community. This will be the first large-scale screening of its kind in the district. RAHS Registrar Prof. Shyam Lamsal stated that the initiative follows the installation of a new sickle cell testing machine at the academy.

The academy has already been providing medical treatment to 315 individuals diagnosed with sickle cell anemia.

Patients between the ages of one and 65 have been identified, with some cases found among four members of the same household. While the disease is found mostly in the Tharu community, cases have also been detected among other groups, according to Acting Hospital Director Prof. Dr. Janardan Panthi.

Previously, patients had to travel outside the district for testing. With the service now available locally, access to diagnosis and treatment will become easier, Dr. Panthi added.

Registrar Prof. Lamsal noted that testing people of all age groups will help assess the prevalence of the disease in the district. The findings will guide future policies, programs, and further research.

Sickle cell testing began in Dang in 2016 (2073 BS) at the then Rapti Sub-Regional Hospital. At that time, out of the samples tested nationwide, 350 people were diagnosed with sickle cell anemia, including 26 cases from Dang alone. Although the government has periodically conducted free testing and treatment—considering the higher prevalence among Tharu and indigenous communities—regularity in the program has yet to be ensured.

According to Acting Director Prof. Dr. Panthi, the testing campaign in Dang will be conducted at three different locations.

At the Rapti Academy of Health Sciences itself, testing will begin on Sunday. The program will run continuously from December 4 (Mangsir 19) until mid-April (Baisakh), the academy announced.

Physician Dr. Ajaraj Gautam stated that patients diagnosed with sickle cell anemia will receive up to NPR 100,000 worth of free medication and treatment. Since sickle cell anemia is a hereditary disease and affects certain communities disproportionately, Dr. Gautam stressed the need for effective testing, prevention, and treatment programs. He noted that the disease causes red blood cells to assume a sickle-like shape once it develops.