Haemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder that prevents blood from clotting resulting in bruising and prolonged bleeding from trauma. Lack of treatment can lead to permanent disabilities, even death.
In Pakistan, 1,500 people are diagnosed with haemophilia while 17,000 people are estimated to be affected but do not have the resources or information about their condition and treatment centres. “It’s an inherited disease that affects boys. Girls are merely its carriers,” said haematologist Dr Nouman Malik on the occasion of World Haemophilia Day on Sunday. “Treatment is expensive and facilities are only available in major cities.” Malik who is part of the Pakistan Haemophilia Patients Welfare Society said that the awareness regarding the genetic disorder was lacking among most young doctors.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 18th, 2011.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ