Question

Explain National Policy for Rare Disease (NPR of India.

Hint:

The NPRD aims to support patients with rare diseases in India by providing financial assistance, improving healthcare access, and promoting research on rare diseases.

Answer 1

The National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) of India was introduced to address the challenges faced by patients with rare diseases, improve accessibility to treatment, and provide financial assistance for rare disease treatment. Rare diseases are defined as conditions that affect a small percentage of the population, but they often lead to severe health consequences and require specialized care.
Step 1: Objectives of NPRD:
1. Financial Support: The policy aims to provide financial support to patients, including funding for expensive treatments and medications for rare diseases.
2. Healthcare Infrastructure: It focuses on improving healthcare infrastructure, setting up specialized treatment centers, and increasing access to healthcare services.
3. Research and Development: The policy encourages research on rare diseases and aims to foster collaborations with international organizations to develop treatments.
Step 2: Key Features of the Policy:
1. Orphan Drug Development: The policy advocates for the development of orphan drugs (medications designed for rare diseases), which are not commercially viable for pharmaceutical companies to develop.
2. Awareness and Education: Efforts to raise awareness about rare diseases and educate healthcare professionals are integral to the policy.
3. Data Collection: The policy emphasizes collecting data on rare diseases to better understand the prevalence, causes, and treatment outcomes.