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"Shresth Divyangjan"
National Awardee
Interviewed by Dr. Divya
"This award brought me a unique identity and created massive public awareness about hemophilia, a disorder still unknown to many. For over 35-40 years, I have dedicated my life to this cause, and having my work recognized by the government is deeply gratifying. It reinforces the importance of continuing advocacy and care for haemophilia patients"
Dr. Divya: "Please share a little bit about yourself, the background you come from and how it was growing up?"
Dr. Suresh: "I grew up in a middle-class family as the eldest of four siblings. My father was a government employee, my mother a housewife. One of my younger brothers also has hemophilia. Despite the challenges, my mother’s unwavering support and the guidance of my teachers and friends helped me reach where I am today. I'm very happy and proud to share with you that my first earning in my life during internship was utilized to register the Karnataka society to start the process."
Dr. Divya: "What was the turning point in your life that made you decide to give back to the society?"
Dr. Suresh: "The defining moment of my life happened during a summer vacation at my grandparents’ home. My maternal uncle, who had hemophilia, suffered a severe headache, later diagnosed as an intracranial bleed. A doctor refused to listen when my uncle asked for a blood transfusion. We were forced to leave the hospital, and I helplessly watched him deteriorate — losing consciousness, suffering paralysis, and ultimately passing away. This traumatic experience made me ask, 'Why don’t doctors know about hemophilia? Why wasn’t he treated?' That was the moment I decided to become a doctor — to ensure no one else faced such neglect."
"I always tell my 'blood brothers' — we may lack clotting protein, but we do not lack ability. We are born with haemophilia, but we are born to win. Our condition should never define or limit us. With the right treatment and determination, we can achieve great things."
Dr. Divya: "How has being a pathologist made you to better understand and help the community?"
Dr. Suresh: "By my second year of medical school, I realized my limitations due to hemophilia. I chose pathology because even if I became physically disabled, I could still contribute by working in a laboratory. More importantly, I could improve the lives of my 'blood brothers' — other hemophilia patients. After joining this college, I was offered the position of blood bank officer. I accepted without hesitation, knowing I could make a difference. We founded 'Lifeline,' a voluntary blood donor organization, mobilizing students and youth from various colleges. Our motto was clear — 'None shall die in need of blood.'"
Dr. Divya: "What has been the biggest challenge in your life? Can you share one such experience?"
Dr. Suresh: "Throughout my journey, I have faced numerous challenges, but one incident in 1993 stands out. While I was completing my MD, we had begun establishing the haemophilia society and had stored some life-saving clotting factor medicines in our department refrigerator. One evening, a medical PG student ran in, informing us that a young boy was admitted in an unconscious state due to an intracranial bleed. I rushed to the ward with my colleagues. I had to decide immediately which clotting factor to administer. Logically, I deduced that 80% of haemophilia patients lack Factor 8, so I administered it. Miraculously, the boy regained consciousness the next day. However, he needed continuous treatment. I contacted Dr. Mammen Chandy from CMC Vellore, a renowned haematologist, and he generously provided 14,000–15,000 units of clotting factors. After a week of intensive care, the boy was discharged with only a mild squint. This experience reinforced my belief that timely diagnosis and treatment can save lives. Today, I am proud that all 30 district hospitals in Karnataka provide these life-saving clotting factors free of cost, ensuring that no hemophilia patient must struggle as we once did, thanks to then Health Minister, Sri. Kagodu Thimmappa."
Dr. Divya: "Has your condition affected your professional career in any way? How do you balance your self-care?"
Dr. Suresh: "Despite its challenges, hemophilia has not affected my professional career. Though I have experienced pain, I have never let it be an excuse. Instead, I adapted my approach — for instance, I prefer to sit while teaching rather than stand for long periods. By making such modifications, I have ensured that my condition does not hinder my work or my contributions to society."
"Many believe that all male children of a haemophilia carrier will inherit the disorder and that all female children will be carriers. This is not true. With proper genetic counselling, we can identify carriers, diagnose early, and provide appropriate guidance. With correct management, haemophiliac children can grow up healthy, lead normal lives, and become productive citizens."
Dr. Divya: "Your work takes you all over the globe, meeting people from different walks of life, who have different stories of their own. Any encounters that have deeply moved you and has changed the perceptions for you sir?"
Dr. Suresh: "One of the most inspiring figures in my journey was Mr. Ashok Bahadur Verma, founder of the Hemophilia Federation of India. When I first met him in the early 1980s, I was struck by his resilience — he had lost a limb, yet he travelled extensively, establishing hemophilia care centres across the country."
"At that time, I struggled with my own identity as a hemophiliac, feeling self-conscious and hesitant to embrace it. I even requested Mr. Verma not to send me letters in envelopes marked with 'Hemophilia Federation of India,' as I didn’t want to be labelled. His response was profound — he respected my wishes but reminded me that our condition was 'God’s will' and not something to hide or be ashamed of. His words changed my perspective and gave me the confidence to accept my identity and fight for the cause."
Dr. Divya: "What is your ultimate dream for the community and how do you think it can be achieved?"
Dr. Suresh: "My ultimate dream is to see hemophilia care evolve to the point where it is as manageable as diabetes. Today, we already have non-factor therapies that rebalance hemostasis, reducing bleeds to zero. Gene therapy holds the potential to revolutionize treatment if made affordable. When I founded the Karnataka Hemophilia Society, my vision was to improve care for patients like me. Now, I dream of transforming this centre into an institute for all blood disorders. I owe much of this progress to generous contributors. I cannot forget the contributions of Dr. SP Balasubramaniam, our Patron-in-Chief, who helped raise significant funds. Many former students, such as Dr. Anthony Thomas (now a director in Dubai), Dr. Mahendra Bala, and Dr. Nanda Kishore Alva, continue to support hemophilia care. I also want to acknowledge three women who played pivotal roles in my life. First, my mother — while I suffered physically, she endured psychological pain, feeling guilty for passing down the disorder. Second, my godmother, Smt. Kiruvadi Girija, who donated the land that helped establish our care services. Third, my wife, who has stood by me tirelessly, supporting my mission in every way. I also extend my gratitude to KCIAPM for this opportunity, to Bapuji Educational Association, to JJMC, and HoD, Dr. Vardendra Kulkarni, who encouraged me to document my journey."
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