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Health
Odisha Experts Urge Couples to Check Sickle Cell Status Before Marriage, Not Horoscopes
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 27 Sep 2026, 07:38 AM
👁 14
Health specialists in Odisha have advised couples to test for sickle cell disease before marriage, emphasizing that genetic screening is more important than horoscopic compatibility.
Health experts in Odisha have issued a clear recommendation that couples should undergo sickle cell screening before marriage, rather than relying on horoscopic compatibility.
The advice comes after growing concern over the prevalence of sickle cell disease in the state and the lack of awareness about its genetic transmission. Experts say that a simple blood test can identify carriers and prevent future complications.
Asish, a homozygous sickle cell patient, shared that while the physical pain is manageable, the social stigma remains a heavier burden. He urged couples to prioritize medical tests to avoid unnecessary suffering.
The state health department plans to launch awareness campaigns and free screening camps in the coming months to support this initiative.
The advice comes after growing concern over the prevalence of sickle cell disease in the state and the lack of awareness about its genetic transmission. Experts say that a simple blood test can identify carriers and prevent future complications.
Asish, a homozygous sickle cell patient, shared that while the physical pain is manageable, the social stigma remains a heavier burden. He urged couples to prioritize medical tests to avoid unnecessary suffering.
The state health department plans to launch awareness campaigns and free screening camps in the coming months to support this initiative.