Big Step from Udaipur in Fight Against Sickle Cell Disease
International “Hibiscus” Drug Trial to Begin at RNT Medical College
Udaipur: In a major development for patients suffering from sickle cell disease, a new international clinical drug trial named **“Hibiscus”** is set to begin at the RNT Medical College Udaipur, which operates under the Centre of Competence for Sickle Cell Disease in its Paediatric Department. The trial will evaluate the effectiveness of the drug **Etavopivat**.
RNT Medical College has been selected as one of only 14 centres across India and is the only centre from Rajasthan included in this prestigious study. This will directly benefit patients from tribal-dominated regions of the state.
### Major Achievements of the Centre
Principal and Controller of the institute, Dr. Rahul Jain, said that the centre was declared a Centre of Excellence by the Rajasthan Government on February 10, 2023, and later recognized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, as the country’s second Centre of Competence.
So far, the centre has achieved significant milestones:
* Screening of 30,235 newborns and 6,703 pregnant women (ANC cases)
* Registration and regular care of 570 sickle cell patients and 1,720 carriers
* Training of 240 medical officers, 600 ANMs, 200 counsellors, and 52 master trainers from 10 districts
* Establishment of India’s first Sickle Cell Wellness Hub at the same medical college
### International Recognition and Benefits
Dr. Jain stated that the selection for the Hibiscus trial is an international validation of the centre’s expertise. Udaipur division, being a tribal-dominated region, has a higher prevalence of sickle cell disease than the national average. The trial will benefit people from regions such as Jhadol, Kotra, Salumber, Dungarpur, and Banswara.
Patients will no longer need to travel to metro cities for advanced treatment or participation in research studies. The trial will help evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Etavopivat, which could lead to advanced and safer treatment options in the future and contribute significantly to the National Sickle Cell Eradication Mission.
Superintendent of Maharana Bhupal Hospital, Dr. R.L. Suman, said that since the trial will be conducted under the Paediatric Department of the hospital, it will directly benefit children and adolescents. Free dedicated inpatient services, blood facilities, and counselling services are already available, and this advanced research will further improve patients’ quality of life.
### Research Team and Leadership
The trial will be conducted under the Paediatric Department of the hospital.
* Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Bhupesh Jain
* Co-Principal Investigator: Senior Professor Dr. Lakhan Poswal
* Study Coordinator: Lalit Kishore Pargi
### A Boon for Tribal Regions
Udaipur’s tribal regions will gain major benefits as patients will now have access to world-class research and treatment locally. The selection of RNT Medical College alongside premier institutes like AIIMS Delhi and AIIMS Raipur highlights the institute’s growing research credibility.
The initiative is expected to strengthen awareness, improve treatment outcomes, and contribute significantly to the global fight against sickle cell anaemia.
साभार :
© CopyRight Pressnote.in | A Avid Web Solutions Venture.