KARe: Beacon of hope for those battling rare diseases

State government has come up with a new safety scheme for the treatment of people suffering from rare diseases. Under this scheme, which has been given the acronym 'KARe' (Kerala Against Rare Diseases), it is intended to provide free treatment up to 50 lakh rupees. It should be developed as a health system that will bring relief to many families suffering from rare diseases. Kerala, which has already introduced many innovative systems in the field of treatment, will give hope to those suffering from rare diseases. Diseases that affect only 1 to 6 people out of 10,000 are listed as rare diseases. Generally, there are very few adequate facilities for the treatment and care of such patients. Because of this, most of the people are doomed to be in dire straits until the end of their lives without even being treated.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the announcement ceremony of the rare disease treatment project in Thiruvananthapuram the other day. Through the scheme, the government is trying to ensure treatment and care for people suffering from rare diseases. Needless to say, this is a very difficult task. The biggest task is to find the necessary funds to implement the project effectively. Thiruvananthapuram SAT Hospital and Thrissur Government Medical College Hospital have been recognized by the Central Government as Centers of Excellence for the treatment of rare diseases. Three crore rupees have been allocated by the Center for these centres. When you look at the needs, you know that this amount is not enough for anything. That is why efforts are being made to collect funds from people and generous individuals and organizations to run the project smoothly. This is an initiative in which the people should cooperate wholeheartedly.

While talking about the 'KARe' scheme, it is also necessary to talk about the necessary measures to avoid being crippled due to financial stress. Ours is a country that currently has many facilities to detect rare diseases and provide expert treatment. However, there are many limitations for the rural population to reach such facilities. The only solution is to expand health systems. New treatment centers are being opened under the auspices of the central and state governments. There are plans to open 380 urban public health centers in urban areas. The aim of these centers is to provide primary care in the immediate vicinity. Kerala, which is leading in health and treatment index, should be able to advance further in this field. It requires a lot of money. It will be possible only if the people come forward to increase the facilities of the government hospital. Malayalees have never held back to cooperate with good causes and donate generously.