Patna: Here's some good news for those suffering from blood-related disorders.
The state will get two haematologists in government facilities - one each at New Gardiner Road Hospital and Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH). The related notification issued last month estimates the annual expenditure at Rs 16.41 lakh.
Haemophilia is an inherited blood disorder in which blood doesn't clot properly.
"The process of filling up posts of haematologists will start in July. Let us see how many applications we get," principal secretary, health, Sanjay Kumar told The Telegraph.
He said the medical college hospital should ideally have a haematologist. "But right now, there is no post of haematologist in all government medical college hospitals. After filling up the post at the two facilities in Patna, we will create the same for other health facilities after accessing the need."
Sources in the health department said the appointment of haematologists at the two government facilities will help those suffering from blood cancer or any other blood-related disorder, as they had no other option rather to seek consultation of private facilities for exorbitant fees. "The appointment of haematologists at the two hospitals will facilitate treatment of diseases like blood cancer, bone marrow transplant, haemophilia, thalassaemia and genetic disorders related to blood," said a source.
Patna civil surgeon Dr Pramod Kumar Jha said there were very few doctors with the requisite qualification of Master of Doctorate (MD) in haematology in Patna.
A senior doctor of PMCH, preferring anonymity, pointed out that the creation of posts of haematologists cannot address the issue. "The infrastructure of the government health facilities also have to be upgraded so that complete treatment for blood-related disorders can be availed under one roof in the state-run health centres," he said.
The government notification says the New Gardiner Road Hospital will be made a haemophilia centre, wherein specialised treatment will be made available.
