Genetic Lab In Govt Hospitals Soon
Posted on: 01/Mar/2011 12:52:35 AM
In new buildings with equipment worth Rs 30 crore, the state health department will soon set up a unit for rare diseases at the Institute of Child Health (ICH) and a genetic lab at the Government General Hospital to help in the early diagnosis of such diseases.
On occasion of the International Day for Rare Diseases health secretary VK Subburaj said, �The ICH will have experts trained to treat certain rare metabolic, genetic, blood and chromosomal disorders, on the experts will also generate research material to drive patient-friendly policies for people living with such disorders�.
"Tamil Nadu could be a role model among the states in health care but we must admit that when it comes to dealing with rare diseases, we are yet to make a beginning. Our patients are forced to go to neighbouring states or abroad even for diagnosis," Subburaj added.
About Suyog :
Suyog was one of those with Gaucher`s disease, a genetic condition in which a fatty substance accumulates in cells and certain organs. It is caused by a hereditary deficiency of an enzyme. At the age of three, Suyog was diagnosed with anemia.
Several children with rare disorders and their parents came with a list of demands, including appeals for free treatment and subsidy for expensive life-saving drugs.
