A genetic and life-endangering disease has struck a 22-month-old boy in Dholpur and the heart of his family, necessitating a Rs 17.5 crore injection for his medical treatment. It is said that the injections must be administered within two months, or the child’s life will be in danger.

The minor patient, who is battling the serious illness of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), is the son of Naresh Sharma, a sub-inspector stationed at the Mania Police Station in Dholpur. The only treatment for this disease is an injection, known as Zolgensma, which costs the said hefty amount.

According to doctors, this injection must be administered before the age of 24 months, and it will take about a month to procure it from abroad.

Subsequently, a campaign has been launched to save an innocent life in the police barracks in Dholpur, over 200 km from the Rajasthan capital. With the authorities rallying for support, so far, over Rs 1 crore and 70 lakh have been raised for the treatment. People known to the patient and his family, including several police officials, are actively campaigning on social media platforms to support the minor.

Police Sub Inspector Naresh Sharma told news agency ANI, “There his genetic test was done and through that, we got to know about his disease…doctor suggested a Zolgensma injection which costs around Rs 17.5 crore, which is out of our reach. We are trying to collect the money through crowdfunding.”

Speaking to ANI, the minor’s father also said, “Nothing is impossible. If people come together and help, our son’s life can be saved in time.”

Talking about the patient’s genetic illness, Dr Priyanshu Mathur, a senior physician, said, “He was diagnosed with the disease Spinal Muscular Atrophy(SMA). As they grow, their leg movements get more impacted, and slowly it affects their hands and respiratory muscles. They keep getting pneumonia and have to be put on ventilators. Many of these children lose their lives quickly…”

Inspector General of Police Rahul Prakash from Bharatpur has appealed for help through social media platforms. Besides him, the Superintendent of Police of Bharatpur, SP of Dholpur, and other police personnel have been campaigning to raise funds for the purpose.