Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh pledged aid to a Kurnool family that crowdfunded Rs 10 crore for their infant’s Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type-1 treatment.
Punarvika, the 11-month-old girl, has been battling the genetic disorder which leads to progressive muscle degeneration.
Family faces financial burden to save their infant’s life:
The doctors reportedly recommended a life-saving injection that costs a whopping Rs 16 crore, a financial burden on a modest family, who run a small barber shop in Veldurthi.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Punarvika’s father M Suresh said, “I was shocked when the doctors told me that my daughter Punarvika has SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy)-Type-1. I run a hair cutting shop. We were told that it is a very rare disease requiring extremely expensive treatment. That is why I appealed to donors for help.”
In his response, Minister Nara Lokesh lauded Punarvika as a ‘true braveheart’ who is fighting the battle with extraordinary courage.
“Her life-changing injection costs a staggering Rs 16 cr. Out of this, Rs 10 cr has already been raised. I salute every individual who has contributed.
Now it is my turn to ensure Punarvika receives the balance ₹6 cr for the life-saving treatment she deserves.” He directed his office to coordinate the necessary help and requested people to support the child.
Meanwhile, Bollywood actor Jahnavi Kapoor quoted Nara Lokesh’s post on X and said that humanity is still alive. ‘Truly appreciated,’ she said.