Kathamndu February 4.

Number of sickle cell anemia patients is on the rise at Nepalgunj-based Bheri Hospital. The disease has become a major public health issue to the Tharu cmmunity. The Ministry of Health and Population provides medicines and medical test services equivalent to Rs 100,000 if it is proved that a person is a sickle cell anemia patient. Chief of Medical Department at the Bheri Hospital, Nepalgunj, Dr Rajan Pandey, said 767 patients are in the list of those receiving the health service worth Rs 100,000. Dr Pandey said, “It is a genetic disease. One can be safe from the disease after carrying out health test on time.” He added that the flow of patients has increased at the hospital in recent period, adding that it is non-communicable disease. Only the Bheri Hospital has been providing free health check-up of the disease. Counselor and staff nurse, Astha KC, said, “We informed the patients visiting the hospital about the disease as well as providing counseling on its symptoms and condition.”