EHC delegation visits Istanbul for its second NMO visit in 2024

📅 Date: 7 October 2024

📍 Location: Istanbul, Türkiye

The European Hemophilia Consortium (EHC) delegation, led by President Miguel Crato, CEO Olivia Romero Lux, and Education & Communication Manager Daria Camilli, visited Istanbul to engage with healthcare professionals and patients about the state of bleeding disorder care in Türkiye.

The main highlights of the visit were:

• Istanbul University Capa Hemophilia Care Center

The delegation met with Assoc. Prof. Başak Koç Senol, Prof. Dr. Gökhan Polat, study coordinator Funda Ciga, nurse Hülya Bingöl, and other healthcare providers. Discussions focused on patient care, diagnosis, access to treatment, and ongoing clinical trials. Prof. Dr. Gökhan Polat also shared insights about orthopaedic surgeries for bleeding disorders patients which are conducted weekly at the orthopaedic unit.

• Visit to Istanbul University Rector’s Office

The delegation also met Prof. Dr. Osman Bülent Zülfikar, Rector of Istanbul University, and other university leaders to strengthen ties and discuss the upcoming 2026 EHC Conference in Istanbul. The collaboration between the Turkish National Member Organisation (NMO) and the EHC continues to grow, with the recent appointment of Dr. Başak Koç Senol at the EHC VWD Committee being an important collaborative landmark as the first clinician to join the committee since its foundation in 2020.

• Meeting with the Hemophilia Society of Türkiye

The EHC delegation toured the Society’s facilities, including treatment rooms, a playroom for children, and meeting spaces. Discussions with patients and board members focused on youth development, patient support, and preparations for the 2026 EHC Conference.

This visit marks a significant step in supporting the bleeding disorder community in Türkiye and highlights the ongoing collaboration between EHC and local stakeholders.