SGPGIMS inaugurates Hemophilia Physiotherapy Unit and PICC Line Care Centre for Leukemia Patients

The Hon'ble Director of the Institute Prof. R. K. Dhiman, SGPGIMS inaugurated two new facilities, 1) Hemophilia Physiotherapy Unit and 2) PICC Line Care Centre for Leukemia patients which has been set up in the department of Hematology, SGPGIMS, Lucknow, today 21st Oct, 2021. Prof. Gaurav Agarwal, Chief Medical Superintendent, SGPGIMS, Dr. A. B. Singh, Deputy GM, Blood Cell, NHM, U.P. and Mr. Vinay Manchanda, Secretary, Hemophilia Society, Lucknow were also present on the occasion. Prof. Rajesh Kashyap, HOD, Hematology alongwith faculty colleagues welcomed the dignitaries.

Hemophilia is a congenital bleeding disorder and affects the males. The affected persons have spontaneous bleeding into their joints or muscles or from injury sites. Infusion of clotting factors is the only treatment for these patients.

These patients also suffer from physical disabilities due to repeated episodes of bleeding into their joints.

The high cost of factor concentrates, lack of facilities for diagnosis and treatment are the main huddles in the management of these patients.

The Government of Uttar Pradesh started a program for the care of Hemophilia patients. In its initial phase the program was mainly responsible for procurement and supply of factor concentrates for treatment.

In 2015, SGPGIMS, Lucknow was appointed as the State Nodal authority for implementation and running of Hemophilia Care program. Later in 2018, this responsibility was given to department of Hematology, SGPGIMS. Today these are 26 Hemophilia Treatment Centres in different Medical Colleges, Super Specialty Hospitals and District Hospitals in the state for availability of these factor concentrates and treatment of patients. Approx. Rs. 50.00 crores worth of factor concentrates are being procured annually for these patients under this program.

In 2019, the department started a project "Strategies towards Comprehensive Hemophilia Care Services" in Uttar Pradesh for improving the Hemophilia Treatment facilities in the state funded by NHM, Govt. of India. Under this project 08 Physiotherapy Centres have been established in different Medical Colleges of the states and this centre is a part of this project.

In addition the department of Hematology has now set-up a dedicated day-care facility for Leukemia patients undergoing Chemotherapy to take care of their in-dwelling catheters (PICC Line) so as to reduce the risk of infections. A much needed facility

The department of Hematology, SGPGIMS is sensitive to the needs of patients coming to this super specialty hospital for treatment of their illness and is committed to give the best facilities for their treatment.