Honorable Chief Minister Shri V. D. Satheesan has extended his full support to patients battling Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other invisible neurological disabilities. Representatives of ‘MS Harmony’, a collective of these patients, met the Chief Minister at his office in Kochi this morning to formally submit a memorandum (image.png). During the meeting, the Chief Minister personally enquired about the severe and various challenges faced by the patients on a daily basis.
The Chief Minister assured that the government would thoroughly study the challenges faced by the patients and extend all necessary support. He stated that the state would formulate a comprehensive Clinical Protocol (treatment guideline) for Multiple Sclerosis after consulting with experts from the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute (SCTIMST) as well as specialists from various Government Medical Colleges.
He pointed out that a dedicated fund had been allocated in the recent budget to ensure proper treatment for rare diseases like Multiple Sclerosis. Furthermore, he noted his understanding that the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi (KASP) health insurance scheme could be utilized to provide several expensive, disability-preventing medicines to these patients. The Chief Minister assured the delegation that he would immediately discuss the necessary follow-up measures with the concerned authorities to implement this swiftly.
The office-bearers of MS Harmony earnestly requested the Chief Minister to transform Kerala into India’s first ‘Invisible Disability-Friendly State’ by implementing joint policy reforms through the Department of Health and the Department of Social Justice. The Chief Minister added that the government would stand by the patients and their families in every possible way to ensure their well-being.
