KSSP supports the distribution of generic drugs for SMA patients in Kerala

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The Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP) has supported the Kerala Health Department’s decision to provide a low-cost generic version of the drug Risdiplam to patients affected by spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare and life-threatening genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness.

KSSP president C. Ramakrishnan and general secretary V. Manoj Kumar said in a statement that access to this drug is critical to improving the quality of life and life expectancy of patients.

The statement of the pro-Left People’s Science Movement comes close to public health experts like B. Ekbal, KP Aravindan and V. Ramankutty supporting the government’s position.

KSSP officials pointed out that Natco Pharma is an Indian pharmaceutical company that plays a key role in making affordable cancer treatment available to the general public, both in India and in international markets. They claimed that the ministry’s decision is not only aimed at saving public funds. It is a humanitarian responsibility to ensure that life-saving treatment is available to more SMA patients, they added.

Published – 25 Oct 2026 13:24 IST