Home / Health / SMA Drug Access Expanded Across Districts
SMA Drug Access Expanded Across Districts
7 Nov
Summary
- Risdiplam medicine for SMA patients will be available in all district medical colleges.
- Distribution will decentralize access, easing patient and family burdens.
- Age restriction for free medication is being removed.
The government of Kerala is set to enhance access to Risdiplam, a vital medication for individuals with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Health Minister K. Muraleedharan revealed that the medicine will soon be accessible through medical colleges located in every district.
This decentralization initiative aims to simplify treatment access and ensure continuous care for patients and their families. Currently, free Risdiplam is only available at SMA clinics in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode Government Medical Colleges, causing significant hardship for those requiring the drug.
Furthermore, the government is actively pursuing the removal of the current age limitation for free medication. This will allow all eligible patients, regardless of their age, to receive the necessary treatment. The broader goal is to establish a family-centered healthcare system inspired by this model, potentially benefiting children with chronic illnesses and patients of other rare diseases.
