Kerala has introduced free growth hormone therapy under the KARE (Kerala United Against Rare Diseases) scheme, making essential treatment available for children suffering from rare growth disorders. The move, made by Kerala Health Minister Veena George on World Rare Disease Day, is a major achievement in the state's rare disease care.

Key Highlights:
Growth Hormone Therapy Implemented for 20 Children

• The therapy has been launched at SAT Hospital, under the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College.

• 14 children with Turner syndrome and 6 with growth hormone (GH) deficiency underwent the first round of treatment.

• A multidisciplinary team of doctors carried out thorough examinations before offering the hormone therapy.

Government's Commitment to Rare Disease Care

• The KARE program, initiated in February 2024, is aimed at early detection and specialist treatment of congenital conditions.

• Growth hormone therapy, which costs lakhs of rupees, is now being offered free of cost under this program.

Understanding Growth Hormone Deficiency and Its Impact

• Growth hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland and is essential for muscle growth and overall development.

• A lack of GH can result in dwarfism in children, and muscle weakness, tiredness, and brittle bones in adults.

• Untreated, severe medical conditions can develop, threatening overall well-being and quality of life.

Kerala's Growing Rare Disease Treatment Initiatives

• The SAT Hospital has been upgraded to a Centre of Excellence for Rare Diseases under the KARE project.

• Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) for rare diseases was launched at SAT Hospital in 2024.

• 100 children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) are being given specialized treatment under the KARE program.

The rollout of rare disease treatment under the KARE program is Kerala's further investment in healthcare innovation and accessibility. The free growth hormone therapy facility ensures that financial difficulties do not come in the way of access to life-saving treatments.