India Amplifies Fight Against Rare Diseases

Around 1,000 patients with rare diseases are registered with Centres of Excellence in India. The government allocated significant funds for rare disease treatment, with a policy supporting 63 disorders and providing financial assistance of up to Rs 50 lakh per patient. Thirteen key hospitals facilitate diagnosis and treatment.

India's government is intensifying efforts to tackle rare diseases, with around 1,000 patients now enrolled in specialized Centres of Excellence. Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, revealed that the administration has allocated Rs 118.82 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25 and Rs 299.59 crore for 2025-26.

Highlighting health as primarily a state duty, Jadhav noted the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) 2021 addresses the unique challenges of such conditions. The policy identifies 63 rare disorders, including Gaucher's, Pompe, and Fabry diseases, and provides financial support of up to Rs 50 lakh per patient through designated centres.

Thirteen renowned government hospitals have been assigned as Centres of Excellence, tasked with enhancing infrastructure for better diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of rare diseases. The import of medicines, either by patients or by these centers, is exempt from basic customs duty and Integrated GST, fostering better accessibility for those affected.

(With inputs from agencies.)