Over 90 Kerala Children with SMA Benefit from Free Treatment Program

Quick Summary

• Kerala’s Health Department is providing free medicine to 93 children affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic condition causing progressive muscle weakness, under a special scheme.
• Medicine distribution began in July 2022 for children below five years and extended to those below 12 years in 2024.
• As July 2022, a total of 107 children across Kerala received free medication; though, 14 passed away during treatment.
• Type 1 SMA patients receive direct approval; this severe form manifests within six months after birth and can be fatal within a year without treatment.
• The first SMA clinic was established at SAT Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, with free scoliosis surgeries for SMA patients initiated at the Government Medical College Hospital in the capital city.
• The government’s “Kerala Against Rare Diseases” initiative also includes crowdfunding efforts to support those affected.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Kerala’s pioneering program addressing Spinal Muscular Atrophy represents important progress in combating rare diseases within India. By extending free treatments and surgical interventions as well as initiating awareness through clinics and crowdfunding efforts, the State exemplifies proactive healthcare governance aimed at vulnerable populations. While challenges persist-evidenced by fatalities during treatment-the prioritization of Type 1 SMA cases underscores pragmatic decision-making given resource constraints and critical need.This initiative highlights opportunities for other Indian states to replicate similar schemes tailored for rare genetic conditions that often go unnoticed due to their low prevalence. Collaboration among state governments could enhance impact through pooled expertise/donation frameworks like crowdfunding already introduced here.

Read more: The Hindu