Kalpetta: Sickle Cell Anemia patients in Kerala haven't received their monthly pension for nine months. They received a single month's pension following protest demonstrations during the Onam season, but they continue to face delays in receiving their monthly pensions. They have not received their monthly pension for the month of September so far, similar to the earlier situation.

The patients’ associations allege that the state government is extremely biased when it comes to disbursal of monthly pension. The funds are allocated to the general category patients via the social justice department. Pensions for the sickle cell anaemia patients among the tribal communities are sanctioned by the scheduled tribes development department. While general category patients are given a pension of Rs 2000, those falling under the tribal communities are given Rs 2,500 per month. There is a growing demand for allotting equal pension among the sickle cell anaemia patients in the state.    

It's important to note that while patients in the general category haven't been receiving their monthly pensions for the past nine months, tribal patients continue to receive their pension. However, even those under tribal category haven't received their pension for the last three months.

No new applications accepted

It is known that the authorities are no longer accepting any more requests for monthly pension. As per the figures, there are less than 1,300 sickle cell anaemia patients in the state. According to the health department, 1080 sickle cell anaemia patients belong to the Wayanad district, while the rest of them hail from Palakkad, Attapadi, and Malappuram districts. 

Ever since 2020, no new requests for monthly pension have been sanctioned. Life is extremely difficult for a majority of the sickle cell anaemia patients who find it difficult to go for jobs owing to body pain, breathing problems, and other health issues. 

“It is important to properly identify anaemic patients and those under the risk of contracting the disease. Awareness should be spread regarding the genetic disorder. It is also important to unify the pensions of the anaemic patients. Pending payments shall be cleared immediately. Proper disbursal of pensions shall be ensured as well,” said CR Aneesh, president of Sickle Cell Anaemia Patients Association.