A Centre of Competence for Haemoglobinopathies (CoC) was inaugurated at King George Hospital (KGH) in Visakhapatnam on Monday (May 18, 2026), marking a major step in the State government’s efforts to address genetic blood disorders prevalent among tribal communities in the region.

The centre, established at a cost of ₹3.77 crore sanctioned by the Central government, was inaugurated by Tribal Welfare and Women and Child Welfare Minister Gummidi Sandhya Rani, in the presence of local legislators and members of the Legislative Council.

Speaking at a press conference, the Minister said both the Central and State governments were according high priority to the eradication of sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia, hereditary conditions that have long afflicted tribal populations across the Araku parliamentary constituency and its surrounding areas. She credited Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, IT Minister Nara Lokesh, and Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav for their sustained engagement with the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs in bringing the facility to fruition.

In a first for South India, the centre will introduce newborn screening within 24 hours of birth, a measure expected to allow early detection of haemoglobin disorders and reduce mortality among infants born to at-risk communities.

To help tribal patients navigate the KGH campus, a dedicated ST Cell has been established under the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA). Two doctors will be available to guide patients on appropriate departments and treatment pathways. Medicines unavailable at the hospital will be procured through the ITDA, and financial assistance through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund will also be extended to those in need.

The Minister assured that an additional grant of ₹56 lakh, requested by the hospital superintendent for upgradation of the centre, would be sanctioned shortly.

The Minister urged tribal communities from Palakonda to Rampachodavaram and Polavaram to avail themselves of the free blood-testing services and register for government-issued health cards. She also clarified that sickle cell anaemia is not a communicable disease but a hereditary condition, and urged people to shed any associated stigma and come forward for testing.

Visakha South MLA Vamsi Krishna Yadav, MLC Vepada Chiranjeevi Rao, NTR Aarogyasri Trust Chairman Seetham Raju Sudhakar, KGH Superintendent Vani, Andhra Medical College Principal Sandhya Rani, KGH and ITDA officials, and other dignitaries were present.