Bhubaneswar: ‘World Hemophilia Day’ was observed at the Hemophilia Day Care Centre in Capital Hospital and PGIMER, Bhubaneswar, on Friday, with a focus on improving care and treatment for patients suffering from the rare disorder.
On this occasion, the Odisha government introduced enhanced medical facilities and launched new medicines aimed at strengthening treatment support for hemophilia patients in the state.
State Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling attended the programme as the chief guest. He stated that the government has consistently supported hemophilia patients through free treatment services, ensuring the availability of clotting factors, and promoting awareness initiatives across Odisha.
Observed every year on April 17, World Hemophilia Day aims to raise awareness about the condition. This year’s theme, “Diagnosis: First Step to Care,” highlights the importance of early detection in managing the disease effectively.
Hemophilia, a hereditary disorder, affects the blood’s ability to clot due to the deficiency or absence of clotting factors. This can lead to prolonged bleeding even from minor injuries and, in severe cases, internal bleeding, significantly impacting patients and their families.
Officials said the state is set to introduce Non-Factor Therapy in the coming days, an advanced treatment approach that reduces the risk of repeated bleeding episodes. For the first time, Odisha has introduced Extended Half-Life Factor VIII and Von Willebrand Factor therapies, which are expected to reduce the frequency of injections and improve patients’ quality of life.
The minister said these modern treatment options would enable patients to lead healthier and more independent lives.
