State govt approves ₹45-crore grant for haemophilia drugs

After months of disruption caused by the Centre halting the supply of life-saving anti-haemophilic factors (AHFs), the Maharashtra government has sanctioned ₹45 crore for the urgent procurement of clotting factor injections used in the treatment of haemophilia.

- Rupsa Chakraborty

MUMBAI:

This includes Factor VII and Factor VIII (both plasma-derived and recombinant forms), Factor IX, and FEIBA (Anti-Inhibitor Coagulant Complex). These essential drugs are critical for preventing fatal bleeds in patients with haemophilia, a rare genetic blood-clotting disorder. An AHF is a protein naturally produced in the human body that plays a crucial role in blood clotting.

The state's approval, via a June 18 government resolution, covers the purchase of over 100,000 vials of AHFs. This includes 25,147 vials of Factor VIII, 21,835 vials of Recombinant Factor VIII, 18,520 vials of Factor IX, and 4,605 vials of FEIBA. These medications fall under the essential drug list and will be distributed across Maharashtra through designated day-care haemophilia centres.