Status of Thalassemia and Haemophilia Services in Existing Health Care Delivery System of the Punjab.

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate current diagnostic, therapeutic, transfusion Services and their mutual liaison for Thalassaemia and Haemophilia disorders in existing health care system of the Punjab. A sample field survey of health facilities providing care for thalassaemia and Haemophilia patients or with its potential capability was conducted, involving 75 units (including paediatric units, diagnostic laboratories, blood banks/ transfusion services, Thalassemia / Haemophilia Centers) of 27 health institutes/ facilities scattered in 12 districts of Punjab. The survey revealed that the number and qualification of staff; capacity of building; and equipment for routine tests are sufficient with few exceptions to establish Thalassemia / Haemophilia services networks all over the Punjab. However three are major deficiencies in staff’s knowledge and skills in the management of Thalassaemia / Haemophilia patients; equipment and kits for specific diagnostic test; blood component and other therapeutic supplies; transport facilities for distribution of delicate blood components to peripheral health facilities and information system for Thalassaemia / Haemophilia. The most important problem identified is very weak inter/intra institution co-ordination/referral linkage and absence of standardized protocols for case management and laboratory diagnosis.