On July 29th, I represented Kerala as a specialist at the National Hemophilia Conference – Initiative on Hemophilia Care (IHC VIII), conducted by the Hemophilia Federation of India in Delhi. I participated alongside two other doctors from the government sector and four patient representatives from different chapters of the Hemophilia Federation in Kerala. The Hemophilia Federation of India is currently working on developing a national guideline to improve the health of hemophilia patients across the country.

From September 6th to 8th, the Indian Association for Hemophilia and Allied Disorders (IAHAD) is organizing the 13th National Hemostasis Update (NHU), for which I have been invited as the Chairperson for the Musculoskeletal Scientific Program. The panel discussion on treatment options for ankle joint bleeds and deformities will include Dr. Shigy Francis, a physiatrist who is the HOD at Lisie Hospital and also at the Aluva Treatment Center.

The program will be followed by the 4th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Association for Hemophilia and Allied Disorders Asia Pacific (AHAD-AP), hosted by St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru, on September 7th and 8th.

On September 29th, Dr. Reema, our hematopathologist, Dr. Shyam, our clinical pharmacist, and I have been selected to represent the institute and receive training in Manchester to establish our center as an international training center for hemophilia care.

The role of a physiatrist is crucial in the life of a hemophilia patient, and we have the potential to significantly improve their quality of life. Currently, most musculoskeletal programs in the country are led by physiotherapists, and I believe that more physiatrists need to enter this field.

On July 21st, we screened patients for joint deformities in the knee, elbow, and ankle. Patients with chronic synovitis were started on an exercise program and were evaluated for yttrium synovectomy based on criteria such as muscle strength greater than 3/5 in proximal muscles, flexion deformity less than 20 degrees, and a target joint bleed rate of more than three in six months. We used a disaster management bus equipped with ultrasound and X-ray facilities to screen the joints. Patients also underwent hematology tests, dental assessments, new patient detection, and inhibitor screening. This program is funded by the Manchester-Amrita Twinning Program under the World Federation of Hemophilia.

On June 29th, I was invited by the Calicut Chapter Hemophilia CME to speak on the role of rehabilitation in hemophilia to sensitize doctors and nurses at the grassroots level. We also had representatives from the government hospital, including Dr. Lakshmi from Calicut Medical College, attend the event.

Conducted a progam on ‘Parasports and Rehabilitation’ on 06/06/2024. Dr Betsy Thomas  Tharayil, Physiatrist elaborated on Role of Parasports in rehabilitation.  General Secretary of  Kerala Sports Association For Differently Abled, Mr Sashidaran Nair  chaired the session. NIPMR will be soon initiating  parasports training in athletics and wheelchair sports, and forming a football team for Cerebral Palsy patients  of NIPMR. We hope that this will be a stepping stone in integrating  parasports in rehabilitation in every district.

– Dr Neena T V,

Physiatrist, NIPMR

Conducted Community Based Outreach Program five Model Child Rehabilitation Centers at Kasargod District esp included were areas labelled  as ‘endosulphan affected population’,   from 28/05/2024 to 01/06/24. Dr Neena T V, Physiatrist along with rehabilitation team members including Occupational therapists, Physiotherapists, social workers and speech therapists   participated in the camp .  Total number of beneficiaries were 177. In  the camp assessment, necessary rehab interventions and splints and adaptive devices were  given to the needy

– Dr Neena T V,

Physiatrist, NIPMR