Srinagar, Sep 21: Haemophilia patients across Kashmir have sought intervention of legislators to take up the issue in Legislative Assembly regarding non-availability of a life-saving medicine at the Haemophilia Day Care Centre at SMHS Hospital, Srinagar.
The patients claimed that the supply of Haemophillia medicine has remained disrupted for nearly three months.
Patients and their families said around 200 haemophilia patients from different parts of Kashmir are dependent on regular prophylactic treatment to prevent potentially serious bleeding episodes.
“We are nearly 200 patients from different areas of Kashmir who have been without the medicine for the last three months. Many of us are dependent on it to prevent bleeding episodes,” a patient told Greater Kashmir.
According to the patients, GMC Srinagar had forwarded its annual requisition for the medicine to the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL) in February 2026.
“GMC has already forwarded the annual requisition to JKMSCL in February. Around five to six reminders have also been sent, but the medicine has still not been procured,” the patient said.
The patients claimed that funds for procurement are available and that the financial commitment has also been confirmed by GMC Srinagar.
“We do not understand why the medicine has not been procured despite the requisition, repeated reminders and availability of funds. We request the authorities to intervene immediately and take up the matter with the MD of JKMSCL,” the patient said.
Patients said the shortage is particularly concerning for children and those with a history of serious bleeding complications.
One family said their child has been unable to attend school for nearly a year following surgery and is dependent on Emicizumab prophylaxis.
“The child has also suffered an intracranial bleed in the past. We are extremely worried because the medicine is not available,” a family member said.
Another family from Kupwara said two brothers suffering from haemophilia are dependent on the treatment, while one of them had suffered an intracranial bleed during childhood.
“We have children who have already suffered serious bleeding episodes. Interrupting their prophylaxis puts them at risk,” a family member said.
Patients also highlighted the case of a 13-year-old boy who has reportedly remained bedridden for around a month following a hip-joint bleed and is dependent on the treatment.
“He is already suffering because of the joint bleed. Without regular prophylaxis, the situation is becoming very difficult for the family,” a relative said.
Another family said it had lost a child following an intracranial bleed associated with haemophilia and is now dependent on the medicine for another young child.
“We have already lost one child because of an intracranial bleed. We cannot afford to take another risk,” the family member said.
The patients said several families across Kashmir are facing similar difficulties and urged the authorities to restore the supply at the earliest.
“Please save our lives. We are suffering day by day because of the absence of this life-saving medicine. The authorities should treat this as an emergency,” a patient said.
Emicizumab, the medicine cited by the patients, is used as prophylaxis in haemophilia A to help prevent bleeding episodes.
The patients have appealed to legislators to take up the issue with GMC Srinagar and JKMSCL to expedite procurement and ensure uninterrupted availability of the medicine at the SMHS haemophilia centre.
