National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021

For a long time, several stakeholders have been requesting an extensive program for the management and prevention of rare diseases. In March 2021, The Union Health & Family Welfare Minister certified the “National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021”. The program report is available on the website of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. 

The treatment of rare diseases is not simple; its prevention, treatment management and other aspects come with several challenges. Therefore, the early diagnosis of these diseases is a big challenge. This is because of the non-availability of diagnostic facilities, screening and physicians. The lack of a healthcare system contributes to it majorly.

Why Is The National Policy For Rare Disease 2021 A Major Topic Of Discussion?

The ministry of health and family welfare has recently come up with the national policy for rare diseases 2021 which people have been waiting for for quite a long time. These policies are important to facilitate better health care provisions regarding the rare disease in India which is responsible for a large percentage of the mortality rate every year. 

Before the implementation of the policy, the Delhi High court ordered the centre to come up with a rare disease committee along with a rare diseases fund. After this, they notified the national health policy for rare diseases before 31st March 2021.

What Is The Aim Of National Policy For Rare Diseases 2021? 

The main aim of the national policy for rare diseases 2021 is to concentrate on more production of medicine about rare diseases and their research. It also pertains to reducing the cost of the treatment of these rare diseases so that it becomes affordable to common people. Proper screening and detection of the rare disease at the initial stage are important. This will help in the prevention of rare diseases on a larger scale. These policies intend to promote a better healthcare system.

Provision Of National Policy For Rare Diseases 2021

These group of rare diseases are:

• Group 1

This group of rare disease 2021 comprises the disorders which can be curated by one-time treatment.

• Group 2

The diseases under the group 2 category require treatment for a long time for their full eradication.

• Group 3 

Under group 3 the category of rare disease requires definitive treatment. Altho the treatment is available the challenges are very big which come with the high cost and lifelong treatment.

Financial Assistance According To Provision Of National Policy For Rare Diseases 2021

People suffering from group 1 rare disease will get the financial support of around 20 lakh. This falls under the scheme of Rashtriya arogya Nidhi.

Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi is a government scheme that looks after the financial aspects of the treatment of patients who are below the poverty line. They are suffering from life-threatening rare diseases. They can avail medical treatment at government hospitals and institutes. They will get financial assistance from the government. 

Conclusion

The ministry of health and family welfare has recently come up with the national policy for rare diseases 2021. It has divided rare diseases into different groups.

The national policy for rare diseases 2021 aims to build a strong health care facility system that provides treatment for rare diseases. These policies were introduced by the government for building excellence with good financial support and the up-gradation of medical facilities. Diagnostic facilities are also under the scheme.