Health aNd Fitness Guide

Hemophilia is a genetic disorder in which the sufferer bleeds excessively, spontaneously and to trivial injuries. It is caused by the absence or deficiency of clotting factor in the blood. Usually only males are active sufferers, with females being the carriers. Bleeding into the joints and muscles, if not treated, leads to progressive crippling. Bleeding into vital organs like the brain can cause death.

About a lakh people in India suffer from hemophilia, and about 1,300 new patients are added every year. The disease is controllable. But over 90 per cent of the afflicted in India is never diagnosed, owing to poor diagnostic facilities. Hemophilia care includes infusion of the deficient factor at the time of active bleeding, preventive education and follow up to avoid complications. Treatment of extreme conditions can cost up to Rs 20,000 per month. It costs around Rs 5,000 per month for a less severe conditions.

The Hemophilia Society, a charitable organisation registered with the government of Tamil Nadu and consisting of doctors and volunteers, is working to identify undiagnosed hemophilia cases. The society, which is affiliated to the Haemophilia Federation of India, New Delhi, organises free periodic clinics and fund-raisers. The various chapters of the society provide medicines, sourced from the government, at subsidized rates.