EHC visits the Bosnian and Herzegovinian bleeding disorders community

On 11-12 July 2024, the EHC was on its first country visit under Miguel Crato’s presidency mandate. The EHC joined forces with the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) and paid a visit to its Bosnian and Herzegovinian National Member Organisation (NMO) to assess the situation for patients with bleeding disorders and caregivers in the country and discuss with decision-makers ways to improve care and quality of life for all. 

The agenda was packed with official meetings and exchanges about the current state of treatment and care in Bosnia and Herzegovina for patients with bleeding disorders. On the first day, a series of impactful meetings with patients and healthcare providers took place. Among the attendees were:

• Amar Muratović, President of the BH Haemophilia Society
• Karine Kocharian, WFH Regional Manager
• Marko Marinic, President of the Croatian Haemophilia Society and WFH Board Member
• Dr Emina Suljović-Hadžimešić, Head of the Sarajevo Hemophilia Treatment and Comprehensive Care Center
• Olivia Romero Lux, CEO of the EHC

The presentations from the EHC and WFH sparked important discussions on the current state of treatment and care in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly at the Sarajevo Hemophilia Treatment and Comprehensive Care Center. 

The EHC’s commitment to enhancing haemophilia and other bleeding disorders care continued as the delegation visited the Haematology Clinic of Sarajevo. Here, the delegation was joined by the experts:

• Dr. Lejla Ibirčević-Baltić, Chief Clinic Officer, Clinic for Haematology
• Suzana Tihic, Clinical Biochemistry with Immunology Department

The morning session included a comprehensive presentation of the multidisciplinary care team, followed by an informative tour of the Haematology Clinic and the Clinical Biochemistry Department. In the afternoon, the delegation engaged in productive discussions with representatives of the Fund Institute, focusing on crucial objectives such as assessing the needs of healthcare providers, advocating for better access to care for patients outside Sarajevo, updating the list of drugs under the “direct budget,” and including patient representatives in the procurement process.

Throughout this journey, the delegation was inspired by the very committed and engaged multidisciplinary team at the Sarajevo Hemophilia Treatment and Comprehensive Care Center. Their dedication gives high expectations for the upcoming Comprehensive Care Centre Certification renewal by EAHAD, especially with the potential approval of dedicated facilities.

The EHC especially wants to thank its Bosnian and Herzegovinian NMO Udruženje Hemofiličara Bosne i Hercegovine for the warm welcome and organisation of this visit. The EHC is optimistic about the future and committed to continuing the efforts to ensure better care and support for all patients living with bleeding disorders.

The EHC remains committed to its mission of supporting its members at national levels and will continue providing even stronger support to better address their specific challenges and make the most out of the opportunities.