Union Health Secretary summoned by High Court in New Delhi

The Delhi High Court has asked the secretary of the Union Health Ministry to appear in court on May 10 after Rs 5 crore was not released for the treatment of 40 children suffering from rare diseases. The children suffer from diseases such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Mucopolysaccharidosis II, and have sought free and uninterrupted treatment as therapy for these diseases is expensive. The court observed that a large amount of funds had been allocated for rare diseases, but budgets had lapsed and amounts were not released despite repeated orders. The court directed that the Rs 5 crore be released within a week and warned of contempt proceedings if the order is not complied with.