The Andhra Pradesh government has sanctioned Rs one crore for the treatment of a two-and-a-half year old girl, Honey who is suffering from the rare Gaucher's disease on Sunday.
State Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's official Twitter account posted, "Sanction of Rs.1 crore for honey medicine. Distribution of costly injections. The CM was moved by the condition of the child who was caught by a rare "gawker". Parents of a child displaying a placard during a visit to Konaseema flood plains. The CM stopped the convoy and spoke. The CM promised that day that he would take the responsibility of the child."
Gaucher's disease affects a person's bones and liver due to building up of fatty substances, causing enlargement of the organs.
Dr B R Ambedkar Konaseema district Collector Himanshu Shukla handed over the first set of 13 injections on Sunday to the girl's family at the government area hospital in Amalapuram for the girl's treatment.
The district Collector submitted a proposal to the government on required funds and accordingly, a sum of Rs one crore was sanctioned for treatment of Gaucher's disease. The Collector added that a monthly pension would also be given to her family.
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"This is a rare disease and there are 14 such children suffering from it in India. This is the first government hospital in the country where treatment for the disease is being provided," he said.
The incident occurred during the Chief Minister's visit to flood-affected areas in Andhra Pradesh's Konaseema district. A placard was seen being held by the child's parents. When the Chief Minister noticed it, he stopped the convoy and approached the parents. Responding immediately to the concerns, the CM assured the child of full medical assistance. The Chief Minister promised to fund not only the child's treatment but also her education and well-being.
In all, at least 52 injections have to be administered to the girl, with each costing Rs 1.25 lakh. The government coordinated with the injection manufacturer and secured the first lot of 13 to commence the girl's treatment.