Silchar: Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) has become the third institution in Assam to host an Integrated Centre for Haemoglobinopathies and Haemophilia (ICHH), following the facilities at Guwahati Medical College and Hospital and Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh.

The centre was inaugurated on Wednesday by Silchar MP and SMCH Governing Council Chairman, Parimal Suklabaidya, who dedicated it to the public through a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

The event was attended by SMCH Principal-cum-Chief Superintendent Prof. Dr. Bhaskar Gupta, Chief Superintendents, NHM Assam representatives, Vice Principals, Medical Superintendents, heads of various departments, doctors, and other dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Bhaskar Gupta explained that haemophilia is a rare genetic blood disorder that impairs the body’s ability to clot blood due to a deficiency of clotting proteins. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, patients face risks such as life-threatening internal bleeding, long-term joint damage, and disability.

Until now, haemophilia patients from the Barak Valley and their caregivers had to travel frequently to Guwahati for treatment. With the new facility at SMCH, he said, they will have access to specialised care closer to home. Dr. Gupta thanked the Assam Government and NHM for their support in setting up the centre.

MP Suklabaidya said the centre would be especially beneficial for financially weaker patients, ensuring they receive advanced treatment without the burden of long-distance travel. He assured that the government would continue to extend all possible assistance for the hospital’s development and highlighted the state’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen healthcare services for the economically disadvantaged.

ICHH nodal officer Dr. Bhaskar Debnath informed that integrated outpatient services for haemophilia have been operational since May 17, running on the first and third Saturdays of every month. Patients can consult with a multidisciplinary team comprising a general physician, paediatrician, dentist, orthopaedic surgeon, psychiatrist, and pathologist.

A special day-care centre for haemophilia patients has also been launched, alongside regular emergency and in-patient services. Plans are underway to enhance the physiotherapy department with modern equipment and procure advanced medicines like Emicizumab and Pegylated Factor VIII and IX.

An awareness booklet on haemophilia was also released at the event by MP Suklabaidya and other guests. The booklet will be distributed to all registered haemophilia patients at the centre as a treatment guide.

In the vote of thanks, SMCH ICHH’s nodal officer Dr. Sanjib Kumar Debnath expressed gratitude to NHM MD Dr. Lakshmanan, NHM MD Dr. M.S. Lakshmi Priya, and DME Dr. Anup Kumar Barman for their contributions to making the initiative a success.