- Kerala launches free growth hormone therapy under the KARE scheme, benefiting children with Turner syndrome and GH deficiency.
- SAT Hospital upgraded to a Centre of Excellence for Rare Diseases, offering specialised care, including Enzyme Replacement Therapy.
The Kerala government has introduced growth hormone (GH) treatment under the State’s KARE (Kerala United Against Rare Diseases) scheme, providing free therapy for children with rare conditions. Health Minister Veena George announced the initiative on Friday, coinciding with World Rare Disease Day.
A camp was organised at SAT Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, where GH therapy was initiated for 20 children—14 diagnosed with Turner syndrome and six with GH deficiency.
The treatment was administered under the Centre of Excellence for Rare Diseases after detailed examinations by a multidisciplinary team, according to a press release from the Health Minister’s office.
Growth hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, is essential for childhood growth and muscle development. A deficiency can lead to stunted growth in children and muscle weakness, fatigue, and bone fragility in adults. If untreated, it may result in severe physical complications.
The KARE project, launched in February 2024, aims to improve care for individuals with rare diseases. As part of this initiative, SAT Hospital was upgraded to a Centre of Excellence for Rare Diseases.
The hospital also began offering Enzyme Replacement Therapy for rare conditions, and 100 children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) are currently receiving specialised treatment under the programme.
“The government is committed to ensuring expert treatment for children and early detection of congenital defects,” Ms. George stated in the release.
The cost of GH therapy, which runs into lakhs of rupees, is now fully covered by the KARE scheme, providing relief to affected families. The initiative marks a significant step in rare disease care in Kerala, strengthening support for children with such conditions.
Edited by Harshajit Sarmah
