New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party leader in Rajya Sabha, Sanjay Singh, gives two notices on different issues to Rajya Sabha Secretary–General. In his letter, he sought permission from the Chairman of the House to address two critical issues: SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy), a very rare disease, and secondly, the elderly population in India: their neglect and abuse. Singh appeals to the government to do whatever will be needed to bring cautionary measures to help those who endure these issues.
Responding to the concerns raised in his letter to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, Sanjay Singh clarified that SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) is a dangerous and potentially fatal disease that impacts hundreds of children across India. The treatment for this disease is very expensive and can never amount to less than a crore of rupees. The condition is so fatal, and its effects are observable in the premature deaths of infants across the globe. The injection used to treat SMA costs a staggering ₹17 crores and is imported from abroad, which has imposed GST on the injections.
Hence, inadequate treatment, high taxes, non-availability of medicines, and very high prices of drugs are leading to the deaths of hundreds of children. According to Singh, the government should try making available SMA at cheaper prices, and also ease the taxes on such useful medicines.
What is SMA Disease?
SMA is a very serious disorder that starts at birth and is estimated to occur in one in every few thousand of the population. It leads to the muscles being relaxed to a stage where the patient cannot carry out activities on their own. It is typically a congenital disease that may start during the development of the fetus then advance after birth. The common reoccurring disease usually has a fatal outcome if it is not treated on time.
Things Pointed out by Sanjay
Singh’s case also points toward the necessity for the government to step forward and work towards compassionately offering help to patients affected by SMA and; to ensure the elderly are treated with respect and are being given the proper attention that they deserve. Thus, through combating these problems, the government can bright the quality of life for these problematic categories.
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