Hemophilia

India Confronts Gender Gaps and Treatment Challenges

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There is a need of attention to the gender disparities in diagnosis and treatment of bleeding disorders. With nearly 80% of cases in India remaining undiagnosed and access to preventive care still limited, the article explores how systemic gaps, stigma, and innovation intersect in the country’s journey toward equitable hemophilia care.

Hemophilia is a genetic disorder caused by a deficiency or absence of clotting factors—proteins in the blood that control bleeding. It is usually inherited and passed down through families via the X chromosome, which is why it primarily affects males. However, females can also experience significant bleeding symptoms, often misattributed to normal menstrual cycles. In India, where awareness about bleeding disorders is still growing, the theme resonates deeply.

"Women with bleeding disorders often face a double burden — not only are their symptoms dismissed as ‘normal,’ but there is also a deep-rooted clinical bias that sees hemophilia as a male-only condition. This leads to delayed or missed diagnoses, leaving many women to suffer silently without proper care or support.” Dr. Roshan Dikshit, Senior Consultant, Haematology & Bone Marrow Transplant, Aakash Healthcare.