Supreme Court Halts Kerala HC's Order on SMA Treatment Funding

The Supreme Court has temporarily stayed a Kerala High Court order instructing the Indian government to provide an additional Rs 18 lakh for a patient's spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) treatment. SMA, a rare genetic disorder, leads to progressive muscle weakness. This case has highlighted the financial challenges of funding expensive treatments.

The Supreme Court has intervened, issuing a temporary stay on a Kerala High Court order that sought additional funding for a patient suffering from spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic disorder.

The directive had mandated the Centre to provide an extra Rs 18 lakh worth of medication beyond its existing Rs 50 lakh cap for medical expenses.

Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar reviewed the plea, noting potential national policy precedence challenges, and postponed any decision until further hearings.