‘Neglected blood' screened

Srinagar, Jan 15 : A documentary depicting the struggles and endurance of Hemophilia  patients and their families made its debut here, marking the first time they spoke about the blood disorder on the screen.

 'Neglected Blood’ is a 20-minute documentary about the life journey of Hemophilia patients in Kashmir amid many odds. The film is supported by an NGO, Kashmir Corp and Greater Kashmir.
 Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder where patient’s blood lacks an essential protein to allow it to clot normally.

“The severity of a person's bleeding disorder usually depends on the amount of clotting factor that is missing or not functioning,” said doctors.

 Bleeding into joints and muscles causes severe pain and disability while bleeding into major organs, such as the brain, can cause death, they said.

 The film tries to reflect that pain through the lens and the narration embedded into the testimonies of the families.

 In the past, the pain of the patients and problems faced by them has been highlighted by the print media through the series of stories. “It is the first time both the patient and his family member have been willing to stand up and speak out on camera,” said Muhammad Saleem Malik, a student of social works and co-producer of the film.

 The film is based on the Academic Research done by the Student of Social Works, University of Kashmir, Showkat-ul-Islam. The script and narration of the film has been written by a Journalist, Rakib Altaf.

 “Access to treatment is perhaps the biggest challenge facing the majority of people with hemophilia in Kashmir as the there is proper policy and funds for these patients government,” he said.
 Some Hemophiliacs and their families also attended the screening event and highlighted their plight before the audience.

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SA/EN