by Babra Wani
SRINAGAR: In the midst of biting cold waves and plummeting temperatures in the Valley of Kashmir, a healthcare crisis is unfolding as the Haemophilia Society of Kashmir sounds the alarm about a critical shortage of medicines for patients grappling with the life-threatening disorder.
Syed Majid Qadri, President of the organisation headquartered in Karan Nagar, voiced deep concerns over the scarcity of vital drugs essential for managing Haemophilia, a persistent bleeding disorder. Qadri highlighted the dire situation, saying, “For the past two months, we have been facing the shortage of two crucial medicines, Factor VIII and Factor IX, indispensable for Haemophilia patients.”
Despite concerted efforts by the Haemophilia Society and the Government Medical College, bureaucratic roadblocks impede the timely procurement of these life-saving medications.
Qadri said that the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited, Kashmir, has received requisitions, funding commitments, and confirmations from the medical community, but the necessary drugs remain elusive.
“Haemophilia is a life-long bleeding disorder,” emphasised Qadri, underlining the urgency of the situation. “If patients do not receive the required drugs promptly, their survival chances diminish significantly, especially considering the ongoing bleeding episodes.”
Expressing frustration at the sluggish response from authorities, Qadri lamented, “Time and again, we have made appeals, sent reminders, but our pleas are met with delayed actions. Our patients are at great risk.”
The gravity of the situation is exacerbated by the fact that over 400 Haemophilia patients, primarily from far-flung and remote areas, are registered with the Haemophilia Society. Qadri noted, “The drugs are not that affordable, and our patients, already grappling with a challenging disorder, face additional hurdles due to the scarcity of medicines.”
The Haemophilia Society’s appeals for urgent intervention have, so far, fallen on deaf ears, and the patients continue to grapple with the consequences. Despite repeated requests and reminders, the Medical Supplies Corporation appears to be caught in a bureaucratic quagmire, jeopardizing the well-being of those in urgent need.
Against this backdrop, the plight of Haemophilia patients in Kashmir serves as a stark reminder of the intersection between healthcare, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and the pressing need for prompt and coordinated action. As the Valley faces the harsh winter, the battle for timely medical supplies becomes a critical lifeline for those fighting against the perils of Haemophilia.
