Education Minister Nara Lokesh on Sunday announced ‘Project Punarvika’, a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving access to treatment for children suffering from rare genetic diseases.
The announcement was inspired by the case of an 11-month-old child, Punarvika, who recently received a life-saving injection costing ₹16 crore. Calling it one of the most emotional moments of his life, Lokesh said the case highlighted both the possibilities of modern medicine and the stark challenges posed by the high cost of treatment.
The minister noted that while rare diseases affect a small number individually, they collectively impact thousands of children across India. He acknowledged the role of Dr Ramesh Konaki, whose expertise helped bring attention to the issue.
‘Project Punarvika’ will focus on policy advocacy with the central government, collaboration with global pharmaceutical firms to reduce therapy costs, and partnerships with Indian manufacturers and medical experts to explore affordable, scalable solutions. It also aims to build awareness and provide stronger support systems for affected families.
Stressing the need for systemic change, Lokesh said the initiative is a commitment to ensure that no child’s future depends on their family’s ability to afford expensive treatments.
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