The process of distribution of disability certificates to the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell patients started from Nagpur. The first disability certificate was presented to Vidhita Chakole at the hands of collector Ashwin Mudgal.
Director of Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Centre, Dr Vinky Rughwani was also present on the occasion. The relatives of the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell patients thanked the collector for his kind gesture of starting the issuance of the disability certificates.
The central government has included different kinds of disabilities along with various genetic blood disorders under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and has granted such patients reservation in education. The patients could not avail the benefit of this act in Maharashtra.
Dr Vinky Rughwani had presented a memorandum to the chief minister during the Monsoon session of the assembly in Nagpur. The chief minister instructed the Medical Education Department, Public Health Department and Social Justice and Welfare Department to take quick action.
The state government then decided to issue certificates to such patients of blood disorders including Thalassemia and Sickle Cell. The patients have to apply online for the certificates.
Thalassemia and Sickle Cell is a grave disease in which the patients have to undergo severe physical problems and blood transfusion. The patients have received great comfort after being included in the list of disabled.
Thalassemia and Sickle Cell patients and their parents have hailed the chief minister and the state government.