Haemophilia Patients in Ganjam District Face Critical Injection Shortage
Over 150 registered haemophilia patients in Ganjam district are currently struggling due to a severe shortage of essential clotting-factor injections at MKCG Medical College and Hospital. This critical situation has persisted for the past two months, creating significant health risks for individuals dependent on these life-saving medications.
Dependence on Day Care Centre for Vital Treatment
Most haemophilia patients in the region depend entirely on the day care centre at MKCG Medical College and Hospital for their regular doses of factor VIII and factor IX injections. These specialized injections are absolutely crucial for preventing internal bleeding, joint damage, and other serious, potentially fatal complications associated with the condition.
The hospital serves not only Ganjam district but also attracts patients from other southern Odisha districts who travel specifically for treatment. According to hospital sources, approximately 10 haemophilia patients visit the facility daily on average, highlighting the substantial demand for these medical services.
Life-Threatening Consequences of Treatment Gaps
Private practitioner Subash Sahu emphasized the extreme danger posed by treatment interruptions. "Even minor injuries for haemophilia patients can become fatal if not treated immediately with appropriate clotting factors," he explained. "Without timely administration of factor VIII or IX injections, internal bleeding can quickly become uncontrollable, leading to severe complications or death."
Patients have expressed growing frustration and concern about the situation. One patient from Bhanjanagar revealed, "Earlier, these expensive injections were supplied free of cost at MKCG. But factor IX injections have not been available for the last two months due to non-supply from authorities. This shortage has forced many of us to travel all the way to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack or seek expensive treatment in private hospitals."
Hospital Administration Responds to Crisis
MKCG superintendent Durga Madhab Satapathy acknowledged the shortage during discussions about the ongoing crisis. "There has indeed been a short-supply of these essential medicines," he confirmed. "We have already written to the government about this critical situation, and they have permitted local purchase to meet the immediate demand."
Satapathy outlined the hospital's plan to address the shortage, stating, "We will float a tender soon to ensure timely supply of these vital medications. However, the procurement process may take around a fortnight to complete. Until then, we will manage patients with whatever available stock we have, though this remains insufficient for the actual need."
The situation highlights broader challenges in healthcare supply chains and the specific vulnerabilities faced by patients with rare, chronic conditions like haemophilia who depend on consistent access to specialized treatments for their survival and quality of life.
