SPPU Chemistry Team Creates AI Platform to Combat Sickle Cell Disease
A research team from Savitribai Phule Pune University has developed an innovative digital platform called Sickle Aadhaar. This AI-enabled application aims to address the growing health and social challenges associated with sickle cell disease. The project comes from the department of chemistry at SPPU, led by researcher Pooja J. Doshi and her dedicated team.
Bridging Critical Healthcare Gaps
The app provides a comprehensive digital ecosystem designed specifically for sickle cell patients. It connects them with essential healthcare resources including:
- Doctors and medical specialists
- Caregivers and support networks
- Non-governmental organizations
- Blood banks and transfusion services
- Government welfare schemes and benefits
SCD represents a serious hereditary blood disorder where red blood cells become crescent-shaped. This abnormal shape obstructs normal blood flow throughout the body. Patients experience severe complications such as chronic pain, vaso-occlusive crises, strokes, and progressive organ damage over time.
Addressing India's Sickle Cell Burden
India currently holds the second-highest global position for births with HbSS, the most severe form of sickle cell disease. Only Nigeria reports more cases. Recent government data from 2025 reveals extensive screening efforts across the country. Authorities have screened nearly six crore individuals, identifying 2.15 lakh diagnosed patients and 16.7 lakh carriers of the sickle cell trait.
"Despite large-scale screening initiatives, significant gaps persist in several areas," explained Doshi. "Patients often lack proper counselling, mental healthcare support, nutritional guidance, and reliable access to blood transfusions. Many face repeated hospitalisations, social stigma, and limited healthcare resources, especially in rural regions. Our application directly addresses these challenges."
From Herbal Formulation to Digital Solution
This represents not the team's first innovation in sickle cell care. Doshi's research group previously developed Haemadhaar, a patented herbal formulation designed to manage sickle cell crises and improve haemoglobin levels. The patent carries number 543762.
The Sickle Aadhaar concept recently gained recognition at Design for Bharat 2026, a national youth innovation challenge. This event occurred under the Viksit Bharat initiative at IIT Mumbai on January 14 of this year. Research student Ruturaj Gadhave presented the project alongside MSc biochemistry students Kanchan Deoghare and Ashtagandha Vartak.
Potential for National Impact
Judges selected the project as a meritorious entry for its significant social impact potential. The innovation may receive showcasing before the Prime Minister of India. The research team believes their application will serve as a vital tool for communities in tribal and rural areas. These regions experience the highest prevalence of sickle cell disease while often having the most limited medical infrastructure.
The platform focuses strongly on patient empowerment through reliable medical guidance from expert physicians. By creating digital connections between patients and essential services, Sickle Aadhaar promises to improve quality of life for thousands affected by this challenging condition.
