Kusuma Sanjeevini programme

Kusuma Sanjeevini programme

News – 

• In a significant step toward improving the quality of life for those with rare genetic blood disorders, the Karnataka government launched the ‘Kusuma Sanjeevini’ programme. 

Kusuma Sanjeevini programme

• Uniqueness – It is India’s first statewide prophylaxis programme dedicated to providing free, advanced treatment for patients living with haemophilia. 

Key Objectives and Benefits

• The scheme aims to shift haemophilia care from reactive (treating bleeds after they occur) to preventive (prophylactic), ensuring a better quality of life and a “Zero Bleeds” state for patients. 
• Free Advanced Medication: Eligible patients receive Emicizumab, a high-end monoclonal antibody injection, entirely free of cost.
• Ease of Treatment: Unlike traditional factor replacements that require frequent painful infusions, this breakthrough drug is administered just once a month as a subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection.
• Financial Relief: The treatment typically costs around ₹5 lakh per patient annually, a burden now fully covered by the state government.
• Emergency Support: The programme includes a dedicated, free 108 ambulance service for the rapid emergency transport of haemophilia patients across the state.
• Infrastructure: Treatment is available at 36 Integrated Treatment Centres for Haemoglobinopathies and Haemophilia (ICHH) located in district and taluk hospitals

Additional Information – Haemophilia

• It is a rare genetic bleeding disorder where the blood does not clot properly due to a deficiency in specific clotting factors. 

Core Characteristics

• Inheritance Pattern: It is an X-linked recessive disorder. The defective gene is located on the X chromosome, making males much more vulnerable.
• Prevalence: It affects approximately 1 in 10,000 people globally.
• India Scenario: India has the highest number of patients in the world (~19,000–20,000 registered).

Types of Haemophilia

Treatment & Innovations

• • Replacement Therapy: The standard treatment involving regular intravenous infusions of the missing clotting factor.
  • Gene Therapy Breakthrough: India recently conducted its first human clinical trial for Haemophilia A gene therapy using a lentiviral vector to insert a functional gene into a patient’s stem cells.

• Prophylaxis: A shift from “on-demand” treatment (after bleeding starts) to preventive care to avoid long-term joint damage. 

Key Observances

• World Haemophilia Day: Observed on April 17th annually.
• 2025 Theme: “Access for All – Women and Girls Bleed Too”