Business Reporter

The Indian Academy of Pediatrics Allergy and Applied Immunology Chapter (IAP-PAAI), in association with Takeda and Indegene, conducted a ’Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) Awareness and Diagnostic Camp’ as part of the ‘Sunrise Patient Support Programme’ recently at KIMS-Cuddles Mother and Child Centre, Parwana Bhavan, Kingsway, Nagpur. The camp aimed to raise awareness about Hereditary Angioedema (HAE)—a rare and potentially life-threatening genetic condition—and to provide early diagnosis, patient counseling, and medical support.

The event featured an insightful presentation by Dr Rajkumar Kiratkar, President of IAP Allergy & Applied Immunology Maharashtra Branch, who detailed the clinical features, diagnostic methods, and management strategies for HAE, helping participants and healthcare professionals gain a deeper understanding of the condition.

As part of the patient support services, it introduced: Treatment Support for HAE, Reimbursement Navigation, including: ER – Employee Reimbursement, SR – State Reimbursement, ESIC – Employees’ State Insurance Corporation, RAN – Rastriya Arogya Nidhi, Self-paid options, Personal Health Insurance Reimbursement Guidance, Patient Monitoring Diary, which enables patients to maintain their health records, track symptoms, and improve disease management.
The programme was graced by Dr Tushar Gawad, Unit Head of KIMS-Kingsway Nagpur, addressed the gathering and staff, offering valuable insights into the Sunrise Patient Support Programme and highlighting the hospital’s commitment to such initiatives. He also said that KIMS-Cuddles Mother and Child Centre will continue to organise similar awareness campaigns in the coming days to strengthen early diagnosis and care for HAE.

Dr Anil Raut, Secretary of IAP - Allergy & Applied Immunology Maharashtra Branch, spoke about the long-term vision of the programme and proposed a vote of thanks.
Dr Kuldeep Sukhadeve, Director, Department of Neonatal - Pediatric Medicine and Surgery, emphasised the critical role of social media platforms in spreading awareness and reaching more families in need of early intervention and support.
Dr Deepak Goel, Director, Senior Consultant Pediatric Surgeon and Chairman-elect, Society of Pediatric Urology of India wished the society at large to take this opportunity especially those suffered to have HAE.

The event was well-received, with active participation from the hospital staff, local practitioners, and community members. In total, 15 patients were screened during the camp, out of which 5 were diagnosed with allergy-related conditions and were advised further clinical tests for detailed evaluation and follow-up care.

This initiative marks a significant step in bridging the gap between rare disease awareness and clinical action, especially in regional centers like Nagpur. The collaborative efforts of medical experts, support programs like Sunrise, and institutions likeKIMS-Cuddles Mother and child center Hospital are vital in changing the narrative for underdiagnosed conditions such as HAE.