Odisha has introduced a dedicated protocol for managing pregnancies complicated by sickle cell disease (SCD), becoming the first Indian state to establish a specific framework for this high-risk clinical scenario. The initiative aims to improve maternal and fetal outcomes through timely interventions, coordinated care, and clearly defined responsibilities for healthcare providers. Titled Protocol for Management of Pregnancy with Sickle Cell Disease, the document was launched during a state-level workshop in Bhubaneswar organized by the National Health Mission (NHM), the Directorate of Blood Safety, and UNICEF Odisha.

Developed collaboratively by experts from state medical colleges, health directorates, NHM programme divisions, and UNICEF, the protocol outlines clinical guidance and delineates the roles of healthcare personnel across different levels of the health system. Its…