The Department of Paediatrics and the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, PGIMER, Chandigarh jointly celebrated hae day :-) by holding a virtual conference organized by the Hereditary Angioedema Society of India (HAESI). The e-conference included lectures on various aspects of HAE by national and international experts and faculty of Departments of Paediatrics and Dermatology PGI; case presentations by students; personal journey and struggle of patients suffering from the disease, and an open forum for patients and physicians.
Surjit Singh, Head of the Department of Paediatrics, PGI, introduced the proceedings of the e-conference. Dr. Ankur Jindal, Assistant Professor at the Department of Pediatrics, PGIMER and founder Secretary of HAESI, elaborated in his talk about the journey of HAE in India over the last 25 years. Prof. Sunil Dogra, Professor at the Department of Dermatology, PGI and founder President of HAESI, officially inaugurated the website of the Hereditary Angioedema Society of India. He elaborated on the need to increase awareness about this disease amongst physicians as there are likely to be more than 30,000 undiagnosed patients in India. He also highlighted that the society would aim to increase awareness about HAE in the community and bring better treatment options for patients in India.
The event was attended by more than 500 delegates across the country. Dr. Hilary Longhurst from New Zealand and the HAEi Chief Regional Patient Advocate Fiona Wardman were guest speakers. Dr. Longhurst talked about various clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of HAE, while Ms. Wardman highlighted the activities of HAEi in improvising patient care in India.
