Delhi University approves Rs 17 crore for child with rare disorder
The financial aid will support the treatment of a School of Open Learning teacher's nine-month-old daughter suffering from spinal muscular atrophy.
Delhi University has sanctioned up to Rs 17 crore to help treat the nine-month-old daughter of a School of Open Learning (SOL) teacher. According to The Times of India, the child has been diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) Type II, a rare genetic condition.
Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh formed a special committee to find funding after crowdfunding and government aid proved insufficient for the estimated costs. The committee recommended the maximum financial support due to the urgency of the medical situation.
SOL Director Payal Mago stated that university regulations permit the reimbursement of medication costs if recommended by AIIMS or a hospital on the university's panel. Mago noted that the initial cost estimate was negotiated down to approximately Rs 13 crore, which includes follow-up care and diagnostic tests.
After subtracting funds already collected, the university's contribution is expected to be about Rs 10.5 crore. A crowdfunding campaign previously raised Rs 3.1 crore through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, Tata Trusts, and various online platforms including Milaap and Ketto.
The university will reimburse medical expenses upon the submission of hospital bills. Officials noted that any delay in providing this assistance could have endangered the child's life.