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New Delhi, March 1, 2025 – The Supreme Court has temporarily stayed a Kerala High Court order that directed the Central government to provide additional funds beyond the Rs 50 lakh cap for the treatment of a patient suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). The case will be further heard in April 2025.
A bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna issued notice on the Centre’s plea on February 24, challenging the Kerala High Court’s directive to provide an additional Rs 18 lakh worth of medicines to a 24-year-old SMA patient. The Centre argued that allowing such an exemption could set a precedent, impacting numerous SMA patients across the country.
SMA is a rare genetic disorder that leads to muscle wasting and requires costly treatments, often running into crores of rupees. The Kerala High Court had previously ordered the continued supply of Risdiplam, an essential medication for managing SMA. However, the Central government expressed concerns over breaching the financial cap, emphasizing the need to establish a sustainable policy framework.
The Supreme Court, while staying the High Court’s order, urged the government to consider case-specific exceptions and explore measures to make SMA drugs more affordable for patients in need. The matter will be reviewed further in the upcoming hearing.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and reports from reliable sources. It does not constitute legal or medical advice.
