Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

On haemophilia

The plight of Suriya Prabakaran, whose father has filed a mercy killing plea to end the 15-year-old's ordeal, has captured the attention of many. This is perhaps an opportune moment to highlight the problems of haemophilia, a condition with which Surya has been afflicted for 10 years. It is estimated that one in 8000 men have haemophilia, though only about 9000 have been identified and have had proper diagnostic assessment. As it is a genetic condition and not a disease, there is no cure. Episode based treatment is by infusion of Blood Factor VIII (or in some cases Factor IX). Transfusion of whole blood is not recommended. Blood factor concentrates are not made in India and are very expensive to import. Repeated appeals have been made to the Central Government for help. I take this opportunity to appeal to the Central and State Governments to provide some succour to persons with haemophilia.

Raji Prabhakaran,
Chennai

* * *

As a father of a haemophilic, I can empathise with Muthu Pandi. Haemophilia entails expensive treatment and medicines are not easy to procure. Governments can help in its treatment by subsidising it.

N. Ragothaman,
Vellore, T.N.

* * *

I have been haemophilic for 35 years. Apart from the pain, expensive drugs, etc., there are many things to be addressed. For instance, repeated transfusions carry the risk of viral transmission. Repeated bleeding in the muscles and joints lead to disability. The need of the hour is for the Government to help procure medicines and distribute them to patients.

R. Sathyanarayanan,
Chennai

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