Sat Feb 07 18:14:40 UTC 2026: # Kerala Government Earmarks ₹30 Crore for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Treatment
The Story: The Kerala state government has allocated ₹30 crore in its budget to ensure continued treatment facilities for individuals suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). This commitment builds upon previous initiatives that began in 2022 with a pilot project at SAT Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, offering free Evrysdi medication to children up to five years old. The program expanded over the years, extending coverage to older children and incorporating scoliosis surgery.
Key Points:
- ₹30 crore allocated in the budget for SMA treatment.
- SMA pilot project initiated in 2022 at SAT Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram.
- Free Evrysdi distribution began for children up to 5 years old, costing ₹5.2 lakh per dose.
- Coverage expanded to children up to 7 years old in 2023.
- KARE scheme introduced in 2024, further extending treatment support to children up to 12 years old.
- Currently, 110 children in Kerala are beneficiaries of the program.
- Free Scoliosis surgery is provided at Government Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram.
- Cure SMA, a patient collective, welcomes the budgetary allocation.
Critical Analysis:
The Kerala government’s continued commitment to SMA treatment reflects a sustained policy focus on rare disease management. The incremental expansion of the program, from initial pilot to broader coverage, indicates a data-driven approach, likely informed by the outcomes and needs identified in previous phases. The inclusion of Scoliosis surgery suggests a holistic approach to addressing the complex needs of SMA patients.
Key Takeaways:
- The Kerala government prioritizes healthcare for rare diseases.
- Incremental expansion of the SMA program suggests an adaptive, evidence-based strategy.
- Collaboration with patient collectives like Cure SMA is vital for program success.
- The allocation of ₹30 crore demonstrates a significant financial commitment to SMA care.
- Kerala is establishing itself as a leader in providing comprehensive care for SMA patients.
Impact Analysis:
The budgetary allocation will directly impact the quality of life and survival rates of SMA-afflicted children in Kerala. Continued access to expensive medications like Evrysdi, along with necessary surgeries, offers hope for improved health outcomes. Furthermore, the success of Kerala’s program could serve as a model for other states in India and globally, highlighting the importance of government intervention in rare disease management. The long-term impact includes potentially improved healthcare infrastructure and expertise in treating rare genetic disorders, attracting both patients and medical professionals specializing in these fields.
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