Crowdfunding for Life-Saving SMA Treatment: A Call to Action

Sanjay Singh, an AAP MP, has launched a crowdfunding initiative to support the treatment of two young girls with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a costly genetic disorder. He pledges his salary and urges public donations to gather necessary funds, urging government intervention for price reduction.

Senior AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh has initiated a crowdfunding campaign to secure funds for two young girls battling spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic condition. The life-saving injection required costs a staggering Rs 17 crore.

During a press conference, Singh passionately appealed to the public to assist in funding the treatment for 11-month-old Sehrish and 8-month-old Kiara Rawat, both urgently needing the high-cost medication for their Type 1 SMA diagnosis. Singh committed his month's salary, donating Rs 1 lakh each to the cause, but emphasized the need for broader public support. He suggested that if 17 crore people each donated a single rupee, the necessary amount could be raised efficiently.

Singh noted some government tax exemptions had reduced the injection's cost to Rs 10-11 crore, yet it remains beyond reach for most families. He called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government to further negotiate price reductions with the injection's US-based manufacturer, underlining the critical need for governmental financial intervention to make this treatment accessible.

(With inputs from agencies.)