Kerala orders 2,159 Risdiplam bottles to provide free medicine for spinal muscular atrophy
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Health policy & public health· Prelims + Mains·
Public health equity and fiscal prudence: a GS2 case study on generic medicine accessibility.
Why in news
Kerala Health Minister K. Muraleedharan announced the procurement of 2,159 bottles of Risdiplam to provide free treatment for spinal muscular atrophy patients under the KARE scheme.
Background
The Kerala government switched from ₹5.5 lakh branded bottles to ₹11,000 generic versions produced by Natco Pharma. The initiative provides free medicine to children under 12 at SAT Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram.
Facts for Prelims
- FactRisdiplam cost reduction: From ₹5.5 lakh (branded) to ₹11,000 (generic).
- SchemeKARE scheme: Kerala state initiative providing free medicine for spinal muscular atrophy.
- PostK. Muraleedharan: Health Minister of Kerala.
Prelims practice question
Under which scheme is the Kerala government providing free treatment for spinal muscular atrophy patients?
- (a)PM-JAY
- (b)Jan Aushadhi
- (c)KARE scheme
- (d)Ayushman Bharat
Show answer
Answer: (c) KARE scheme — The KARE scheme is the Kerala state initiative providing free medicine for spinal muscular atrophy.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the significance of generic medicine procurement in making specialized healthcare accessible to vulnerable sections in India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Fiscal efficiency: Significant cost reduction through generic procurement vs branded alternatives
- Equity in healthcare: State-led initiatives to provide high-cost orphan drugs to children
- Public-Private Partnership: Collaboration with private manufacturers like Natco Pharma for essential medicines
Keywords: Generic medicines · Orphan drugs · Public health equity · Fiscal prudence · Healthcare accessibility
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