Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has commended a charitable trust led by IPS officer Sandeep Tamgadge for its efforts in addressing sickle cell disease and thalassemia among tribal and marginalized communities in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region.
The Smrutishesh Madhukarrao Tamgadge Charitable Trust (SMTCT) was established in memory of the late Madhukarrao Tamgadge, who dedicated his life to the upliftment of underprivileged communities. His son, Sandeep Tamgadge, currently serving as Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) in Nagaland, continues his legacy through the trust’s initiatives in healthcare and social welfare.
Marking the 10th death anniversary of Madhukarrao Tamgadge, Gadkari applauded the trust’s work, particularly its large-scale sickle cell screening programme conducted in collaboration with government agencies. The initiative has screened over 11,000 students through 100+ camps, identifying at-risk individuals and ensuring they receive essential medical care.
With ongoing efforts to expand the programme, the trust aims to cover more districts and improve early diagnosis accessibility. Apart from healthcare, the organisation actively promotes education and community development, with a strong emphasis on raising awareness, encouraging early testing, and providing treatment for sickle cell disease and thalassemia.
To address these pressing health concerns, SMTCT has been conducting free diagnostic screenings, awareness drives, and medical assistance programmes. The trust also organizes regular health camps, provides life-saving medicines, and facilitates blood donation drives to support affected individuals.
Highlighting its impact, Gadkari stated, “The Tamgadge Trust has been doing remarkable work, particularly in tackling sickle cell disease and thalassemia. Their free diagnostic camps and early screenings have been invaluable in helping the underprivileged.”
