Bengaluru, February 25: The Karnataka government launched the 'Kusuma Sanjeevini' program, under which patients suffering from haemophilia will receive treatment free of charge.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said that the decision to provide free medicines to haemophilia patients has given him a deep sense of fulfillment.
He was speaking at the Kusuma Sanjeevini (Haemophilia) program held at the U.R. Rao Auditorium in Bengaluru, which was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
Dinesh Gundu Rao said that haemophilia is a rare blood-clotting disorder primarily seen in males. While women are less affected, they act as carriers and can pass the condition genetically to their children.
He said that there are about 2,600 haemophilia patients in the state, many of whom face difficulties in accessing timely treatment. Children suffering from this disease are often unable to study or play properly and are excluded from mainstream social life.
He explained that there is no permanent cure for the disease. Until now, patients have required injections into the veins two to three times a week for life, which has been particularly challenging for young children.
However, with advances in science, a new monoclonal antibody treatment is now available. This injection is administered under the skin and helps prevent physical deformities and disabilities in patients.
He described it as a miracle of modern science.
He said that the injection needs to be given only once a month, enabling patients to live normal lives like everyone else. The treatment has already been tested on 200 patients. The state government has sanctioned ₹45.55 crore for the program, including ₹17 crore specifically for the new medicine. The cost of treatment per patient is approximately ₹5 lakh per year.
He added that free 108 ambulance services would also be provided to support haemophilia patients. The new medicine, Emicizumab, provided by Roche Pharma India, along with free ambulance services, will help haemophilia patients lead a more socially active life and enjoy a better quality of life.
Speaking about haemophilia, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar said that Haemophilia is a serious illness, and that patients, researchers, and doctors have gathered here today.
“This is a special day. It is our conviction that your lives should be strengthened. No child or person desires such diseases; it is the law of nature. It is not the fault of the children or their parents,” he said.
"Dinesh Gundu Rao has informed that one injection per month costs about ₹50,000, and they incur expenses of ₹5 lakh per patient annually. Let the expenditure be there; it is not an issue. Those affected by this disease should not feel helpless. Considering the financial difficulties faced by parents, the government has decided to step in,” he said.
He said that parents would no longer have to worry about spending ₹50,000 every month on treatment.
“Health ensures prosperity. With great joy, your government stands with you always. Do not lose hope at any time. This Congress government will stand with you at every step,” Shivakumar said.