Girl's Rs 9 Crore Treatment: HC Urges Govt Aid

The Madhya Pradesh High Court is urging the central and state governments to explore avenues for financial assistance for a three-year-old girl's rare medical condition. Anika Sharma, suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type-2, requires injections costing approximately Rs 9.55 crore. As of August 12, 2026, a critical Rs 1 crore shortfall persists for her treatment.

While a central government scheme offers up to Rs 50 lakh, and various NGOs and charities have raised approximately Rs 8 crore through crowdfunding campaigns, this amount is currently held by these institutions. The High Court has directed the petitioner's lawyer to submit details from these organizations and an affidavit confirming their willingness to disburse the funds to AIIMS, New Delhi, upon receiving the injection bill.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a genetic neuromuscular disease that progressively destroys motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and degeneration. The court noted that even with existing funds and government aid, an additional Rs 1 crore is essential. It expressed an expectation that the government might consider such cases under exceptional circumstances to provide further financial aid. The next hearing is scheduled for August 18, 2026, with hopes for securing the remaining funds for the child's treatment to begin promptly.