In a heartwarming recognition of lifelong dedication, Dr Suresh Hanagavadi, a distinguished professor of pathology at JJM Medical College in Davanagere and the visionary founder of the Karnataka Hemophilia Society, has been honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award. This accolade celebrates his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of hemophilia patients across India, marking a significant milestone in his over four-decade-long journey of service.
From Personal Struggle to National Mission
Dr Suresh's connection to hemophilia is deeply personal, as he has lived with severe hemophilia B since childhood. Rather than letting this condition define his limitations, he transformed his own challenges into a powerful mission to help others. For more than forty years, he has tirelessly worked in the critical areas of diagnosis, treatment, research, and advocacy for bleeding disorders. His relentless efforts have not only saved countless lives but have also fundamentally enhanced the quality of care available to hemophilia patients throughout the nation.
A Legacy of Healthcare Transformation
Despite having received several national awards in the past, Dr Suresh described the Padma Shri as an extraordinary and humbling honor. Over the decades, he has played a pivotal role in shaping healthcare systems, leading policy advocacy initiatives, and establishing centers of excellence dedicated to bleeding disorders. His work has consistently emphasized education, awareness, and comprehensive care, all aimed at significantly improving patients' quality of life and preventing the disabilities he himself experienced.
Driven by a determination to ensure that others do not suffer as he did, Dr Suresh founded an organization specifically dedicated to hemophilia care. This initiative has garnered support from the government, various voluntary organizations, and the general public. Through this collaborative effort, thousands of hemophilia patients from diverse regions across the country have received essential treatment and much-needed support, creating a robust network of care.
Building Infrastructure and Garnering Support
One of Dr Suresh's notable achievements is the establishment of a state-of-the-art Haemophilia Treatment Centre in Davanagere. This facility consolidates all services for inherited blood disorders under one roof, providing comprehensive care in a centralized location. The centre was realized through the mobilization of resources from the public, generous philanthropists, and government backing, showcasing a successful model of community-driven healthcare development.
Dr Suresh's mission has been further strengthened by the support of prominent individuals. Notably, the renowned playback singer SP Balasubrahmanyam, who was closely associated with the Karnataka Hemophilia Society, organized annual music programmes and generously donated the proceeds to support hemophilia patients nationwide. According to Dr Hanagavadi's associates, this collaboration highlighted the power of celebrity advocacy in advancing healthcare causes.
Voicing Hope and Acknowledgment
In a conversation with TOI, Dr Suresh expressed that the Padma Shri award is the culmination of nearly four decades of relentless efforts to secure national recognition for hemophilia. "The silent pain of hemophilia patients has been acknowledged," he remarked, adding that he hopes this honor will catalyze efforts to ensure quality healthcare for all hemophilia patients across India. He further emphasized the importance of making newly developed medical systems accessible to patients with rare blood disorders, including hemophilia, to bridge existing gaps in treatment.
Reflecting on his association with SP Balasubrahmanyam, Dr Suresh shared that the singer often encouraged him, predicting that national recognition would one day come. "It has finally happened, though I never expected this award," he said, underscoring the unexpected yet deeply gratifying nature of this recognition. This award not only honors Dr Suresh's individual contributions but also shines a light on the broader need for continued support and innovation in hemophilia care, inspiring future generations to carry forward this vital work.
