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Sunday, January 4, 2026
TopicRare diseases

Topic: Rare diseases

Kerala set to expand unique model of procuring expensive life-saving drugs for rare diseases

The state’s KARE programme to provide free high-cost treatment for certain rare diseases for children will now cover all patients under the age of 18.

36 drugs to treat cancer, rare diseases exempted from basic customs duty in Union Budget 2025

Lakhs of patients are likely to benefit from this move as some of these drugs were exorbitant to procure.

New hope for rare disease patients: Rs 900-cr govt project to get high-value drugs at lower rates in works

India has 8.4 to 19 crore rare disease patients, according to health ministry estimates. But current beneficiaries in most cases are kids or those who need relatively less expensive drugs.

ICMR calls for development of local drugs for rare diseases, offers assistance in clinical research

The medical research body aims to encourage domestic companies to develop cost-effective treatments for rare conditions, such as spinal muscular atrophy, Gaucher disease, among others.

Delhi doctors perform 8-hour auto liver transplant surgery on Kyrgyzstan woman, 2nd in India

Surgery conducted at Fortis Escorts, Okhla. Removal of diseased portion of liver was a challenging task as organ was stuck around surrounding vital structures.

Govt decision to remove tax on drugs & food to treat rare diseases could benefit 70-90 million Indians

Finance ministry announces exemption from basic customs duty. Cost of some medicines used to treat rare diseases ranges from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore, says govt.

On Camera

Wall Street carries big expectations this year after best run since 2009

The concern is not that 2025’s rally was irrational, but that it may be difficult to repeat. Outlooks remain anchored to AI investment and growth without reigniting inflation.

Greece looking at TATA’s WhAP infantry combat vehicle for army procurement

If deal goes through, Greece will be 2nd foreign country to procure vehicle. Morocco was first; TATA Group has set up manufacturing unit there with minimum 30 percent indigenous content.

A year-end Mea Culpa in National Interest—The Army-Islam combo doesn’t kill democracy

Many of you might think I got something so wrong in National Interest pieces written this year. I might disagree! But some deserve a Mea Culpa. I’d deal with the most recent this week.