Launch of “Kusuma Sanjeevini” — A New Ray of Hope for Hemophilia Patients
Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao, Hon'ble Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Govt of Karnataka, Graces Milestone Celebration as Chief Guest
In a significant and compassionate step for Karnataka’s healthcare sector, the ambitious “Kusuma Sanjeevini” scheme — a major initiative aimed at supporting people living with hemophilia — was officially launched today by Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Shri D.K. Shivakumar. The programme was inaugurated at the C.V. Vishvesvaraya Auditorium of the Nehru Planetarium in Bengaluru, where advanced preventive (prophylactic) treatment and a dedicated free 108 ambulance service for the emergency transport of patients were also launched. Unlike conventional care that treats bleeding after it occurs, this initiative focuses on preventing bleeding episodes altogether.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Chief Minister - Shri D.K. Shivakumar said the scheme is designed to provide a long-term solution and a life of dignity for hemophilia patients who live with chronic blood-clotting disorders. He expressed deep concern over the severe physical pain and emotional stress faced by patients and their families. Even minor injuries, he noted, can trigger dangerous and life-threatening bleeding. With the introduction of modern preventive therapy, he expressed confidence that patients will be able to lead active lives similar to others.
It was also highlighted that, under the guidance of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah, the State Government has sanctioned substantial funding to ensure the successful implementation of the programme. Health Minister - Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao explained that Hemophilia A patients will now receive a subcutaneous injection free of cost — a treatment that typically costs around ₹5 lakh per year. Earlier, patients had to undergo frequent and painful intravenous injections. With this new approach, treatment can be administered easily under the skin just once a month, making it far less painful and more convenient. To ensure that patients receive timely care during emergencies, the government has arranged for a dedicated 108 ambulance service that will reach them at their homes when needed. The Minister stated that the Government’s vision is to build a “Zero Bleeds” and “Disability-Free” Karnataka.
Padma Shri Awardee Dr. Suresh Hanagavadi shared his experience and emphasized that prioritizing preventive therapy marks a transformative step in the lives of hemophilia patients. He was also felicitated during the programme in recognition of his contributions. As a symbolic gesture, treatment was administered to three children from Bengaluru who are living with hemophilia.Rajwinder (Rajji) Mehdwan, Managing Director & CEO of Roche Pharma India, praised the State Government’s decision, stating that the easy-to-administer preventive injection will enable patients to live active, uninterrupted lives while significantly reducing the burden on families and the healthcare system. She commented, “Today marks a transformative moment for hemophilia patients in Karnataka. By prioritising prophylaxis, the people-centric government at Karnataka is shifting patient care — from reacting to bleeds to preventing them — helping those suffering from this chronic blood disorder live active, uninterrupted, fulfilling lives.
The availability of subcutaneous prophylactic treatment with flexible dosing options, will ensure simplified administration, easing the burden on families and healthcare systems — No child will miss their school, and no adult’s aspirations will be limited by the fear of an unpredictable bleed. Karnataka’s leadership serves as a powerful role model for other states and reinforces the urgent need for prophylaxis as a national standard of care so that equitable, preventive care becomes the norm for hemophilia treatment across India. Roche congratulates the Government of
Karnataka for demonstrating visionary leadership in advancing preventive care for people living with Hemophilia A.”The event was attended by experts including Dr. Avinash Menon Rajendran (IAS) - Director of the National Health Mission (NHM) and Dr. Vasanth Kumar (Director of the Department of Health & Family Welfare), along with other senior officers and medical professionals
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