Health Minister reviews treatment of six-year-old girl with rare genetic disorder

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav on Sunday visited a six-year-old girl from Mulakalacheruvu in Annamayya district undergoing treatment at the Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Hyderabad, assuring her family of full government support for her treatment.

The child, S. Chandrika, is scheduled to undergo a wide excision of the lesion with microvascular reconstruction within the next two days. Acting on information about her condition earlier this month, the Minister had directed district health officials to immediately send a team of paediatricians, ophthalmologists and other specialists to examine her at her residence.

After reviewing her symptoms and family medical history, doctors suspected that Chandrika could be suffering from Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP), a rare inherited genetic disorder that increases sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation and significantly raises the risk of skin and eye cancers. On the Minister’s instructions, she was shifted by a special ambulance to the Government Ruia Hospital in Tirupati for advanced evaluation.

At Ruia Hospital, specialists in paediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology and oncology conducted detailed investigations, including a biopsy of the lesion near her eye. Based on their assessment, doctors recommended treatment at a higher tertiary care centre, following which arrangements were made to shift her to the Indo-American Cancer Hospital in Hyderabad.

During his visit, the Health Minister interacted with the treating doctors and directed them to provide the best possible medical care. He also instructed officials of the Dr NTR Vaidya Seva Trust to extend cashless treatment worth Rs 1.37 lakh under the state health insurance scheme. The Hyderabad district coordinator was asked to closely monitor her treatment and keep the department informed of her progress. The Minister also provided financial assistance for other treatment-related expenses and handed over a nutrition kit to the family. He assured Chandrika’s parents that the government would ensure there were no obstacles in her treatment. Family members expressed gratitude to the state government and the Minister for the timely medical intervention and continued support.