Patients, family members take part in haemophilia program

SANDAKAN: The Physiotherapy Unit of Duchess of Kent Hospital (HDOK) and Malaysia Haemophilia Association (Sabah Chapter) jointly organised the first haemophilia programme at the hospital here yesterday.

Director of HDOK, Dr Francis Paul who was represented by head of Rehabilitation Department of HDOK, Norashima Stephenus @ Ibrahim said that the main objective of the programme was to spread awareness and knowledge on haemophilia so that that the patients would be provided with accurate treatment and medical attention. Paul said in his speech that the treatment method and care for the patients with haemophilia were very specific and people should learn all about the right information and knowledge on haemophilia.

Meanwhile, Malaysia Haemophilia Association (Sabah Chapter) President Alica Ho hoped such a programme would be able to educate the public on how to detect haemophilia as it is not a common disease. She said that she hoped every patient of haemophilia in Sabah was detected by their family members so that they would get the right medical attention.

About 100 patients, their family members and carers participated in the programme.

Haemophilia is mostly inherited genetic disorder that impairs the body’s ability to stop bleeding. Patients with haemophilia bleed longer after an injury, and are easily bruised and they face an increased risk of bleeding inside joints or brain.