Sat May 17 13:09:51 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewrite as a news article, based on the provided information:
**Summary:**
A health camp was held in Kollegal, Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, India, for sickle cell disease patients. The camp, organized by CTRITH and the Department of Health and Family Welfare, provided health checks, medical consultations, and facilitated the issuance of disability certificates to 35 patients under the Unique Disability ID (UDID) system. This makes Chamarajanagar the first district in Karnataka to issue these certificates through a camp-based approach. Officials emphasized the importance of early detection, genetic counseling, community support, and collaboration with organizations working in the field, aligning with the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission.
**News Article:**
**Chamarajanagar Leads Karnataka in Supporting Sickle Cell Patients with Unique Disability Certifications**
**MYSURU, May 17, 2025** – Chamarajanagar district has become the first in Karnataka to issue disability certificates to sickle cell disease patients through a specialized health camp, marking a significant step towards supporting individuals affected by this genetic disorder.
The health camp, a joint initiative by the Centre for Training, Research, and Innovation in Tribal Health (CTRITH) and the Department of Health and Family Welfare, was held at Kollegal taluk hospital on Friday. It brought together 45 patients and 55 caregivers for routine health checks, medical consultations, and registration under the Unique Disability ID (UDID) system. A total of 35 patients received disability certificates, enabling them to access government benefits.
Sickle cell disease, a genetic condition prevalent among tribal communities in India, causes red blood cells to contort into a sickle shape, obstructing blood flow and reducing oxygen delivery. The disease can lead to chronic anaemia, pain, fatigue, and other serious complications.
“This was not just another health camp,” stated CTRITH in a press release. “It marked a significant milestone by bringing together all diagnosed sickle cell disease patients from across the district under one roof and facilitating their disability certification.”
Chamarajanagar District Health Officer M. Chidambara inaugurated the camp, highlighting the importance of genetic counseling, early detection, and strong community support in managing and preventing the disease. “Today, our district has become the first in the State to issue disability certificates for people with sickle cell disease through a camp-based approach,” he said. “This is a proud moment for us. This reflects our commitment to the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission and highlights the value of collaboration with organizations working in the field.”
Deepa Bhat, genetic counselor from JSS Medical College, Mysuru, and head of the sickle cell disease programme at CTRITH, praised Dr. Chidambara’s leadership and the efforts of Ravikumar, the nodal officer for the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Programme in Chamarajanagar district. She noted that Chamarajanagar is likely the only district conducting regular and systematic sickle cell disease camps.
The camp signifies a crucial step toward improving the lives of sickle cell patients in the region, allowing them to access the support and resources they need.
First Piper 