Kerala to Set Up Facility for Treating Patients with Rare Diseases

On January 24, Kerala's Health Minister Veena George announced that the state would establish a center for treating patients with rare diseases by the end of this year. George inaugurated a workshop for specialists who treat rare diseases and emphasized that preventing rare diseases is a top priority for the government.

New Clinic and Registry for Rare Diseases

She mentioned that a clinic in Kozhikode will be set up this year to treat patients suffering from rare diseases. The government is working to free affected children from these diseases and help them lead healthy lives. "A registry for rare disease patients will also be established this year," she added.

Progress in Treating SMA Disease

According to George, the survival rate for children receiving treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) has risen to over 90%. The government’s focus is on identifying congenital disabilities and providing special treatment for children suffering from them.

Initiatives for Rare Diseases

The Kerala government launched the "CARE" scheme for rare diseases in February 2024 and introduced "Enzyme Replacement Therapy" at SAT hospital in 2024. Currently, 106 patients are receiving expensive treatments. Through the "Shalabham" project, congenital disabilities in children are identified and treated.

Heart Surgery for Children

Under the "Hrudayam" project, which focuses on identifying and treating congenital heart diseases, 7,916 children have undergone heart surgeries. SAT hospital has been designated as an excellence center for rare diseases.

Kerala’s Progress in Healthcare

George highlighted that Kerala has the lowest infant mortality rate in India, and progress in women's education, public health development, health workers' commitment, and the Renaissance Movement has contributed significantly to the health sector's advancement.

The workshop, a one-day event, was organized for district medical officers, district program managers, pediatricians, and medical college doctors in Kerala.