On Thursday, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced a monthly assistance of Rs 2,750 for patients suffering from 55 rare diseases. This move is expected to benefit close to 8,000 people in the state.
The announcement was made during a state-level programme held in Yamunanagar, where Khattar also inaugurated 46 health institutions across 17 districts. The monthly assistance will be provided to patients suffering from rare illnesses such as Pompe disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy.
This move by the Haryana government is expected to provide much-needed support to patients suffering from rare diseases, who often struggle to receive appropriate treatment due to the high cost of medications and limited availability of healthcare facilities. The monthly assistance is likely to help alleviate the financial burden faced by patients and their families.
Rare diseases affect a small percentage of the population, making it difficult for pharmaceutical companies to invest in research and development. As a result, the treatment for these diseases is often expensive and not easily accessible, leaving patients and their families in a difficult situation.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to provide support to patients suffering from rare diseases. Several states in India have launched initiatives to provide financial assistance and improve access to healthcare for patients suffering from rare diseases.
The Haryana government’s move is a step in the right direction and is likely to inspire other states to take similar steps to support patients suffering from rare diseases. The government must continue to work towards providing adequate healthcare facilities and support for patients suffering from rare diseases to ensure that they receive the care they need.