India's Strategic Response to Rare Diseases: A Financial Blueprint

The Indian government is addressing the challenges of rare diseases with a significant financial commitment. Minister Prataprao Jadhav announced a substantial Rs 418.41 crore allocation for rare disease treatment over two fiscal years, underscoring the establishment of 13 Centres of Excellence as part of the National Policy for Rare Diseases.

In a recent announcement, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, revealed that nearly 1,000 patients diagnosed with rare diseases are currently registered with the Centres of Excellence. Speaking to the Rajya Sabha, he detailed substantial financial allocations for tackling rare diseases in India over the next two fiscal years.

The government has earmarked Rs 118.82 crore for the financial year 2024-25 and Rs 299.59 crore for 2025-26. Jadhav emphasized that while health services fall under state jurisdiction, the Union Ministry has framed the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) 2021 to address these challenges.

The NPRD categorizes 63 disorders, including significant lysosomal storage disorders, as rare. Financial support up to Rs 50 lakh per patient is offered through 13 designated Centres of Excellence. These institutions, strengthening infrastructure to better handle diagnoses and treatments, are exempt from certain duties on imported medicines.

(With inputs from agencies.)