Title : Unlocking hope: India's initiatives to improve rare disease healthcare
Abstract:
Rare diseases are a significant healthcare challenge worldwide, with an estimated 350 million people globally affected by one of over 7000 rare diseases. India, with the population of over 1.48 billion, is no exception. It is estimated that we have more than 70 million people affected by rare diseases in India. Although progress has been made in recent years in terms of policy implementation and access to healthcare services, challenges remain, particularly regarding the availability of treatments and therapies for rare diseases.
The Indian government has taken steps to address this issue, including the launch of the National Policy for Treatment of Rare Diseases (NPTRD) in 2021. The policy provides financial support for the treatment of rare diseases. The policy also establishes a framework for the development of rare disease treatment centers, with the aim of improving access to specialized care for patients with rare diseases. In addition to government initiatives, there are several organizations working towards addressing rare diseases in India.
India is also a potential market for rare disease drug manufacturers. The growing prevalence of rare diseases in India, coupled with the government’s focus on improving access to healthcare and promoting research and development, makes it an attractive market for pharmaceutical companies.
Overall, while challenges remain, there are positive developments in India in terms of policy implementation, access to healthcare services, and the availability of rare disease drugs. The government's commitment to addressing rare diseases, coupled with the effects of organizations such as the ICMR, provides hope for the future of rare disease care in India. The growing market for rare disease drugs also represents a significant opportunity for pharmaceutical companies to make a difference in the lives of millions of people affected by rare diseases in India.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- Any Rare Disease company who is willing to enter the India market will be benefitted by this
- This will help in understanding the potential of the Indian market
- This information can be used by other faculty to expand their research or teaching
- It will help in understanding the Indian healthcare market especially Rare Disease market
- This will help Rare Disease pharma companies in exploring Managed Access programs or Compassionate Programs for Indian and other SAARC regions
