BENGALURU: To address the challenge of rare diseases, the state government has implemented a comprehensive programme that focuses on early and prenatal diagnosis, accessible treatments and holistic support systems, said Medical Education Minister Dr Sharan Prakash Patil on Thursday.
The minister was speaking at an event organised by the Care and Protection of Children Trust, where free medicines were distributed to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) patients. As part of an agreement the NGO signed with Roche Pharma India, around 50 children up to the age of 16 will receive lifelong, free-of-cost access to oral treatment for SMA.
Patil highlighted that the government was promoting prenatal and early diagnosis as well as offering comprehensive support systems. “Such treatments can have a transformative impact and we must prioritise early detection and care,” he added.
The minister elaborated on the government’s efforts to support families by allocating an additional Rs 75 crore for the treatment of rare diseases. “A special fund has been launched to support patients with conditions like SMA and a Center of Excellence for Rare Diseases has been established at Indira Gandhi Children’s Health Institute, the first of its kind in India,” he said.
“The collaboration with Indira Gandhi Children’s Health Institute to provide free treatment is a significant milestone in healthcare,” Dr Patil said.