The LSDSS urges the Indian government to establish interim funding for 164 patients with ultra-rare lysosomal storage disorders, including Gaucher and Pompe disease, who have exhausted the ₹50 lakh assistance cap under NPRD, 2021. This funding is critical to ensure the continuation of enzyme replacement therapy, which is essential for maintaining treatment gains and preventing disease progression.
LSDSS highlighted that 164 patients ... ultra-rare LSDs, including Gaucher, Pompe disease. For many of these patients, treatment is not a one-time intervention. It is a continuum of care, the letter said, adding that the enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), where clinically indicated, ... LSDSS highlighted that 164 patients had exhausted the ₹50 lakh assistance under NPRD, 2021, of whom around 115 were patients suffering from ultra-rare LSDs, including Gaucher, Pompe disease. For many of these patients, treatment is not a one-time intervention. It is a continuum of care, the letter said, adding that the enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), where clinically indicated, has to be administered regularly to maintain the gains achieved through treatment and prevent further disease progression. LSDSS urges India to establish interim funding to continue life-saving treatments for rare-disease patients exhausted by NPRD's ₹50 lakh cap. Founded in 2010, the LSDSS is a non-profit organisation that works for the welfare of patients with LSDs and rare diseases in India. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Health Minister J P Nadda, LSDSS wrote, "We seek one immediate humanitarian measure: that all clinically eligible patients whose treatment has stopped solely because they have exhausted the ₹50 lakh financial assistance under the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD), 2021, be provided an interim arrangement for continuation/ reinstatement of their life-saving treatment until the matter pending before the Supreme Court is finally resolved." The Lysosomal Storage Disorders Support Society (LSDSS) has urged the government to establish an interim funding arrangement for patients who have exhausted the ₹50 lakh National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) cap, ensuring the continuation of their life-saving treatments.
Original title: “Rare disease patients urge govt for interim funding arrangement to ensure continuation of treatment - The HinduBusinessLine”