Haemophilia patients see red as medicines out of stock for months

Haemophilia patients in Haryana continue to suffer as life-saving medicines have not been available for months. Despite repeated pleas to the government, the situation continues to remain grim.

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The member-patients of Haryana Haemophilic Welfare Federation (HHWF) met Manish Bansal, Director General Health Services (DGHS), on Monday and even submitted a written application at the Chief Minister’s Office in Panchkula, highlighting their plight. They had earlier met the DGHS on January 20 in this regard, but to no avail.

According to the federation, patients have been struggling due to frequent shortage of essential Factor-VIII and Factor-IX drugs. Vishnu Goyal, president, HHWF, emphasised that the unavailability of medicines caused immense hardships to patients, forcing them to travel to Chandigarh or Delhi for treatment. He urged the government to take immediate action to ensure a steady supply of medicines.

According to the Health Department, 967 haemophilia patients are registered with the Haryana State Blood Transfusion Council, Panchkula.

Not everyone can afford the costly treatment required to live with the disease.

The DGHS said, “We are trying our best to resolve the shortage of haemophilia drugs. We have invited a tender to procure the medicines. It shall be finalised soon.”

Adding to the patients’ woes, the promised financial assistance also remains elusive. Three years ago, former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced a pension scheme for haemophilia patients and it was reiterated by incumbent Nayab Saini. However, no patient has received the benefit so far.

The federation appealed to the government to resolve the crisis urgently and provide them with the long-overdue financial aid. Patients warned that if their demand was ignored, they would be forced to stage protests.