Manipal: In association with the Division of Paediatric Hematology & Oncology and Hemophilia society, Manipal inaugurated Hemophilia Treatment Centre at Kasturba Medical College and Hospital Manipal today.

Hemophilia is a genetically inherited lifelong and incurable bleeding disorder. It will affect 1 in 10,000 males. In patients with Hemophilia, blood does not clot normally due to deficiency or absence of clotting Factors. Due to these repeated bleeding episodes, there could be fatal intracranial bleeding or chronic joint bleeding leading to disability. The only treatment option for prevention and treatment of bleeding is the replacement of missing clotting factor in the form of injections. To ensure comprehensive care and to provide holistic treatment to Hemophilia patients, a Hemophilia treatment centre is being established in Kasturba Medical College and Kasturba Hospital, Manipal along with Hemophilia Federation, India.

 

Lt. Gen. (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor, Manipal academy of higher education was the chief guest for the program and officially inaugurated the centre. He said, “such Hemophilia treatment centres are the need for the hour to provide comprehensive care to patients with Hemophilia”.

Dr Sreejith G, President of Hemophilia Society, Manipal spoke about the inception of society and its activity. In an overview presented by Dr Archana M V, assistant professor in the division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, she said the Hemophilia treatment centre is supported by the Hemophilia Federation of India and the World Federation of Hemophilia in terms of proving the the clotting factor injection on humanitarian basis free of cost to the patient.

Dr Sharat Kumar Rao, Dean, Kasturba Medical college said that such a status granted by the Hemophilia federation, India is only for a few centres across India and KMC is proud to be one of them. Dr Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal gave the vote of thanks for the event.