Thiruvananthapuram: The health department will make medicines for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) available at all govt medical college hospitals by the middle of this month. So far, the medicines have been available only at Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode MCHs. They will be dispensed through the paediatric wings of the MCHs.SMA is a rare genetic disorder that causes motor neurons in the spinal cord to shrink and die, resulting in progressive muscle weakness and wasting. Kerala Medical Services Corporation recently procured generic SMA drugs at significantly lower prices, enabling wider access to treatment.Though govt has decided to provide free medicines to all SMA patients, irrespective of age, an expert panel will determine which patients, particularly those above 18, are likely to benefit from treatment. Another expert panel will assess the suitability of the medication for each patient before it is administered.The decision to replace expensive branded medicines with Indian generics drew criticism, including from the opposition CPM. However, govt and medical experts stuck to their stand, citing the need to make treatment more accessible and affordable.
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