Govt allocates Rs 5 cr for kids with Lysosomal Storage Disorder

The State health department had formed a committee of medical experts to come up with a plan to treat children suffering from lysosomal storage disorders in the State and those who require secondary treatment through enzyme replacement therapy. 

Lysosomal Storage Disorders are rare metabolic diseases in newborns due to a genetic condition. It leads to formation of toxins in the body due to deficiency of various enzymes that break down the molecular structure required for the functioning of the body. Though more than 30 children were identified with lysosomal storage disorders last year at ICH, treatment for many of them have not started as the therapy is expensive and unavailable at the hospital. 

After the state health department allocated the funds, the treatment of 11 children is set to start by next month. “We have submitted the list of drugs required for the enzyme therapy to Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation,” said Dr S Ezhilarasi, director of ICH. 

A total of 11 children will receive free treatment at the hospital after the Lysosomal Storage Disorders Support Society filed a petition in the Madras High Court seeking a direction from the Government of Tamil Nadu, Director of Medical Services and the Social Welfare Department regarding the allocation of funds for the treatment of these children.