World Hemophilia Day celebrated at K.J. Somaiya Medical College and Research Centre, Mumbai

~Padma Shri Shri Sonu Nigam was the Chief Guest at the event~

~More than 450 Hemophilia patients attended the event~

by Suman Gupta

Mumbai, 21st April 2022: The theme for World Hemophilia Day this year was “Access for All: Partnership, Policy & Progress”. In India, the healthcare needs special attention of hemophilia patients specifically in the State of Maharashtra & K.J.Somaiya Hospital inaugurated ‘World Hemophilia Day’ that has pledged to start one of the finest Comprehensive Care Centers for hemophilia, which includes State of the Art laboratory Diagnostic Facilities, Treatment, Clinical Research, Counseling and Rehabilitation.

As per the recent world global survey, only 9% of hemophilia patients in India are taking or undergoing prophylactic treatment, which is a standard treatment for hemophilia as against 100% of the patients in majority of the Western countries. Hemophilia must never restrict life’s potential; the right for a better life with access for all is a must.

Shri Samir Somaiya, Chairman, Somaiya Trust said, “My grandfather wanted to provide the best education and health facilities to the people in India at lower cost. This was his vision to provide access to treatment for all those who are suffering in pain. This was the main reason behind establishing Somaiya Ayurvihar and helping people suffering from rare diseases, focus on research. The clinical trials facilitate research for newer treatment modalities and patients can have the benefit of access to new treatments before they are available widely.”

Sharing his thoughts, the Chief Guest Shri Sonu Nigam said, “I feel that life is a celebration and we all should enjoy each and every moment of it. Citing examples from his own childhood, he said, I am touched by the pain these patients suffer due to Hemophilia. He mentioned that hemophilia is also known as the royal disease as the disease was also present in several members of the royal family in UK. He also said that we should show solidarity with those suffering from the disorder. However, there is no comparison of the pain these hemophilic patients are suffering. Hats off to their strength & courage to fight this disease.”

Dr Shrimati Shetty, Director of Laboratory at the Hematology Department and Clinical Research said, “Hemophilia is a disorder, and it leads to chronic disabilities if not treated. I feel very proud to be a part of this institute, where we all come together and work towards providing multiple facilities for hemophilia patients. She also said that when we celebrate the World Hemophilia Day next year, we will have one of the finest Hemophilia care centers in the country with 24-hour diagnostic and treatment facilities.

One of the cures for Genetic disorders like Hemophilia is Gene Therapy in which a healthy gene is incorporated into the host cells so that the hemophilia patients can now produce Factor VIII or IX protein. K.J.Somaiya Hospital is proud to announce the undertaking of gene therapy clinical trials in 2023 for eligible hemophilia patients, thus starting a new landscape of treatment for hemophilia in this country & providing access to all for a better life.