Dr. Ma. Leah Floirendo (left) and Dr. Jaymart Costillas (right) of Northern Mindanao Medical Center emphasize the importance of improved public education, early diagnosis, and ongoing government support for hemophilia patients during the Lambo Dyes radio program on April 4. (Photo: FDBP/PIA-10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — Health professionals from the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) are advocating for increased public awareness, early diagnosis, and sustained government support for hemophilia patients in the region.
During the Lambo Dyes radio program on April 4, Dr. Jaymart Costillas, internal medicine resident, and Dr. Ma. Leah Floirendo, hematologist, discussed the challenges of hemophilia care and efforts to address the condition through healthcare and policy initiatives.
Costillas described hemophilia as a genetic disorder that impairs blood clotting. “Ang hemophilia isa ka rare o panalagsa nga sakit sa dugo kung diin ang dugo maglisod og clot so naa’y problema sa hemostasis,” he said.
(Hemophilia is a rare blood disorder where the blood struggles to clot properly, so there is a problem with hemostasis.)
This disorder can cause internal bleeding, especially in joints, the abdomen, and, in severe cases, the brain. Most patients are male, with females usually being carriers.
“Gitawag gani kini sauna og royal disease because kasagara mga royal families sauna didto sa Englatera naa’y kondisyones niini kay nagminyuay man sila mga ig-agaw so naa’y consanguinity,” Costillas added.
(This was even called the royal disease before, because royal families in old England married within their bloodline, leading to consanguinity.)
Floirendo explained how the genetic nature of hemophilia leads to its persistence in families.
“Recessive gene man unta ni dili man unta siya ang dominant nga gene pero tungod kay mao na siya ang recessive plus recessive, mahimo siyang dominant,” she said.
(This is supposed to be a recessive gene, but when a recessive combines with another recessive, it becomes dominant.)
In 2023, 97 patients were registered across cities, including Butuan, Gingoog, Cagayan de Oro, Ozamiz, and Zamboanga. Floirendo noted the actual number may be higher due to undiagnosed cases from limited awareness and testing access.
Early diagnosis
Costillas said early detection is important, especially in children, adding that prolonged bleeding after circumcision or dental procedures is often the first sign. Because of bleeding risks, physical activity and certain occupations may be restricted.
Floirendo emphasized the value of continued education and community support. “Sa mga hospitals, naa man ta’y lectures; sa outpatient mao sad na siya ang usa pud nga area nga naa gyud siya’y mga ongoing nga lectures gihapon,” she said.
(In hospitals, we have lectures; even in the outpatient areas, there are ongoing lectures for waiting patients.)
She also underscored the contributions of the Hemophilia Association of the Philippines for Love and Service (HAPLOS), a support group of patients and advocates working to improve access to care and treatment.
Policy support
Floirendo said hemophilia care is covered under the Department of Health’s Rare Diseases Program through Republic Act 10747 (Rare Diseases Act of 2016).
“This law ensures access to treatment, designates patients as Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and mandates the development of a rare disease registry,” she added.
Patients may also benefit from PhilHealth coverage, which includes limited case rate packages for clotting factor replacement and, in some cases, access to the Z Benefits Program.
Floirendo also cited other supportive laws, including the Universal Health Care Act (RA 11223), the Magna Carta for PWDs (RA 7277), and Executive Order 104, which helps reduce the cost of essential medicines.
Costillas added that there are ongoing efforts to include hemophilia in extended newborn screening and strengthen genetic counseling services for at-risk families. The DOH is also working with HAPLOS and the World Federation of Hemophilia to improve access to donated clotting factors and expand treatment centers.
With these initiatives, both doctors are hopeful that greater public awareness, improved policies, and sustained support will lead to better outcomes for hemophilia patients. (RTP/PIA-10)
