West Bengal Hemophilia Conclave 2026 Highlights Advances in Precision Diagnosis, Emicizumab Prophylaxis, Multidisciplinary Care and Health Policy

INDRAJIT AICH (KOLKATA):- Hematology Care and Research (HemCARE), Kolkata, successfully organized the West Bengal Hemophilia Conclave 2026 at Taj Taal Kutir, New Town, bringing together leading hematologists, clinicians, researchers, policymakers, allied healthcare professionals and patient advocacy organizations from across India to deliberate on the latest advances in hemophilia diagnosis, treatment, multidisciplinary care and health policy. The scientific programme was conducted under the leadership of the President, HemCARE, who served as the Programme Director.  The conclave was structured around four scientific themes—precision diagnosis, evolving therapeutic standards, multidisciplinary care, and policy interventions—reflecting the need for an integrated approach to improving outcomes for people living with hemophilia.Strengthening Precision Diagnosis and Early Intervention

The scientific programme commenced with Session I: “Deciphering the Bleed – Precision Diagnosis and Targeted Therapies in Hemophilia,” where experts highlighted that early and accurate diagnosis remains the foundation of effective hemophilia management.

Dr. Debasis Banerjee discussed the challenges and best practices in laboratory diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of accurate coagulation testing to avoid delayed or incorrect diagnosis. Dr. Subhash Chandra Jha highlighted the importance of initiating prophylaxis early in appropriate patients to prevent spontaneous bleeding and irreversible joint damage. Dr. Sidharth Sankar Ray deliberated on the management of hemophilia patients with inhibitors, one of the most complex clinical scenarios in bleeding disorders. Dr. Shuvraneel Baul reminded clinicians that not every patient presenting with bleeding has hemophilia, underscoring the importance of differential diagnosis. Concluding the session, Dr. Rucha Kiran Patil, Scientist-D, ICMR, presented India’s Health Technology Assessment (HTA) perspective on the cost-effectiveness of hemophilia therapies, highlighting the role of evidence-based resource allocation in strengthening access to care.  

The inaugural session featured the ceremonial lamp lighting and addresses by dignitaries, followed by a theatre presentation portraying the lived experiences of individuals and families affected by hemophilia. The performance sensitized delegates to the emotional, social and financial burden of the disease and reinforced the importance of patient-centred care.  Emicizumab: Transforming the Standard of Care

A major highlight of the conclave was Session II: “Beyond the Bleed – Evolving Standards in Hemophilia Care,” which focused on the transformative role of Emicizumab in modern hemophilia management.

Presenting “A Decade of Emicizumab,” Col. Kundan Mishra reviewed ten years of clinical experience with the therapy and demonstrated how Emicizumab has fundamentally changed the treatment landscape. As the prophylactic therapy of choice for Hemophilia A, Emicizumab has significantly reduced bleeding episodes, lowered treatment burden through convenient subcutaneous administration, improved adherence, protected joint health and enabled patients to lead healthier, more productive lives. The session highlighted how prophylaxis has shifted the treatment paradigm from reacting to bleeds to preventing them altogether.  

The subsequent expert panel discussion, “Solution for Hemophilia A – Emicizumab: Framework for Selecting Better Therapies,” was moderated by the President, HemCARE, with participation from Dr. Kalpana Datta, Dr. Prakas Mandal, Dr. Sumit Mitra, Dr. G. Vikram Kumar, Dr. Jai Juvikar and Dr. Damodar Das. The panel deliberated on individualized treatment strategies, patient selection, long-term clinical outcomes and real-world evidence supporting Emicizumab as a cornerstone of prophylactic management in Hemophilia A. Experts emphasized that advances in prophylaxis are redefining expectations for disease control, quality of life and long-term outcomes.  

Adding to the discussion, Dr. Jasashwi Chakraborty highlighted that success in hemophilia care must be measured not only by reduction in bleeding episodes but also through improvements in mobility, education, employment, psychosocial well-being and overall quality of life.  

Comprehensive Care Beyond Factor Replacement

Recognizing that optimal hemophilia management requires a multidisciplinary approach, Session III: “Multidisciplinary Symphony of Care” focused on comprehensive supportive care.

Dr. Prakas Kumar Mandal emphasized addressing the psychosocial impact of chronic bleeding disorders on patients and caregivers. Mr. Debashis Gantait highlighted the critical role of physiotherapy in preserving joint function and preventing long-term disability. Dr. Jatan Singh Soni discussed safe and preventive dental care practices for individuals with hemophilia, while Dr. Dipanjana Datta highlighted the importance of genetic counselling in facilitating early diagnosis, carrier detection and informed family planning. Collectively, the session reinforced that comprehensive hemophilia care extends beyond pharmacological treatment and requires coordinated multidisciplinary support throughout a patient’s life.  

Bridging Policy and Patient Access

The concluding session, “Policy to Patient – Navigating Procurement Barriers for Bleeding Disorders,” focused on strengthening healthcare systems to improve equitable access to hemophilia care.

Moderated by Dr. G. Vikram Kumar, the panel comprising Dr. Santanu Basu, Dr. Tanmoy Ganguly, Dr. Abhishek Ranjan, Dr. Madhumita Nandi and Mr. Ajay Roy (Hemophilia Federation of India) deliberated on procurement challenges, health policy, sustainable financing and strategies to improve availability of advanced therapies across India. The discussion emphasized stronger collaboration between clinicians, governments, healthcare institutions and patient advocacy groups to ensure timely and equitable access to life-changing treatments.  

The conclave concluded with Mr. Prasant Mal, Regional Council Secretary, HFI East Zone, highlighting the pivotal role of the Hemophilia Federation of India in patient advocacy, awareness generation, capacity building and strengthening support systems for people living with bleeding disorders.  

The West Bengal Hemophilia Conclave 2026 reaffirmed a shared commitment to advancing precision diagnosis, expanding access to innovative prophylactic therapies such as Emicizumab, strengthening multidisciplinary care, and fostering evidence-informed policies that improve the quality of life of people living with hemophilia across India.