From patient to healer: Haemophilia warrior Dr Suresh Hanagavadi wins Padma Shri

Davanagere: Dr Suresh Hanagavadi, currently a professor of pathology at JJM Medical College, Davanagere, and founder of the Karnataka Hemophilia Society, has been awarded the Padma Shri in recognition of his lifelong service to haemophilia patients.Living with severe haemophilia B since childhood, Dr Suresh turned his personal struggle into a mission of service. For more than four decades, he has worked relentlessly in the diagnosis, treatment, research, and advocacy of bleeding disorders, saving countless lives and transforming the quality of care for haemophilia patients across the country. Despite receiving several national awards earlier, Dr Suresh described the Padma Shri as an extraordinary honour. Over the years, he played a key role in building healthcare systems, leading policy advocacy, and establishing centres of excellence for bleeding disorders. His work has consistently focused on education, awareness, and comprehensive care to improve patients' quality of life.Determined that others should not suffer disability as he did, Dr Suresh established an organisation dedicated to haemophilia care, supported by the govt, voluntary organisations, and the public. Through this initiative, thousands of haemophilia patients from different parts of the country have received treatment and support.Dr Suresh's efforts were strengthened by support from prominent individuals as well. Renowned playback singer SP Balasubrahmanyam, who was associated with the Karnataka Hemophilia Society, organised annual music programmes and donated the proceeds to support haemophilia patients nationwide, according to Dr Hanagavadi's associates.He also set up a state-of-the-art Haemophilia Treatment Centre in Davanagere, bringing all inherited blood disorder services under one roof. The centre was established by mobilising resources from the public, philanthropists, and govt.Speaking to TOI, Dr Suresh said the award was the result of nearly four decades of efforts to secure national recognition for haemophilia. "The silent pain of haemophilia patients has been acknowledged," he said, adding that he hopes the honour will help ensure quality healthcare for haemophilics across India.He further stressed that newly developed medical systems must be made accessible to patients with rare blood disorders, including haemophilia. Recalling his association with Balasubrahmanyam, Dr Suresh said the singer often told him that national recognition would one day come. "It has finally happened, though I never expected this award," he remarked.