India, Dec. 19 -- The Maharashtra government will conduct a special sickle cell screening drive across 21 districts with high prevalence of the disease, said Prakash Abitkar, public health and family welfare minister, chairing a review meeting at the Mantralaya on Thursday.

Public health secretary E Ravindran, health commissioner Dr Kadambari Balkawade, director of health services Dr Vijay Kandevad, joint director Dr Sunita Golhait and other officials attended the meet.

According to officials, preparatory work for the campaign will be carried out from December 18, 2025 to January 15, 2026, and implementation from January 15 to January 31.

Maharashtra reportedly has 312,996 patients, including 288,833 carriers and 24,163 sufferers, as o...