Karnataka :

The State government will tie up with private organisations and offer free treatment to those with haemophilia, Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia, said Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader.

Speaking to reporters here on Monday after inaugurating a blood donation camp to mark his 46th birthday, Mr. Khader said cost of medicines for these patients were pretty high. Those with haemophilia require clotting factor 8 and 9, while those diagnosed with Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia require stem cell replacement.

To start with, Mr. Khader said the State government will shortly sign a memorandum of understanding with National Haemophilia Foundation that meets expenses of the treatment. “We are soon signing a memorandum of understanding with the foundation and will offer the scheme to patients,” he said.

State Health Director G.M. Vamadeva said the foundation will also be involved in setting up haemophilia care centres to be established in K.C. General Hospital in Bengaluru and the Government Wenlock Hospital in Mangaluru. These centres will be in addition to care already being provided at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Mangaluru / by Raghava M / Mangaluru – October 13th, 2015