Andhra Pradesh to Establish State-Level Rare Disease Policy by 2026, Aligning with National Framework
Key Insights
The Andhra Pradesh government is developing a state-level rare disease policy targeting completion by the end of 2026, following directives from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
The policy will create a state-level patient registry, provide specialized physician training, and establish referral centers for rare disease treatment and care.
Under the National Policy for Rare Diseases (search), 66 identified rare diseases are classified into three categories based on treatment approach: one-time curative, long-term low-cost management, and continuous expensive care.
The Andhra Pradesh government is preparing a comprehensive state-level policy on rare diseases (search), aiming to deliver financial and healthcare support to patients by the end of 2026. The initiative aligns with the National Policy for Rare Diseases-2021 and follows directives from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, according to Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav, who announced the development on Saturday.
The proposed policy represents a significant step toward addressing the challenges faced by individuals living with rare diseases (search) in the state. Satya Kumar Yadav expressed concern over the difficulties these patients encounter, noting that many are confined to beds or wheelchairs and struggle with day-to-day activities. "The government aims to provide better healthcare services and support mechanisms through the new policy," the minister stated.
Key Components of the Proposed Policy
The forthcoming policy will include three core structural elements. First, the creation of a state-level registry of patients will enable systematic tracking and resource allocation for those affected by rare diseases (search). Second, specialized training programs for doctors will build clinical capacity across the state's healthcare system. Third, the establishment of referral centers will create designated hubs for treatment and ongoing care, ensuring patients have access to appropriate medical expertise.
National Framework and Disease Classification
Under the National Policy for Rare Diseases (search), disorders are organized into three distinct categories. The first category encompasses diseases that can be cured through one-time treatment interventions. The second includes conditions requiring long-term management at relatively low cost. The third category comprises diseases that necessitate continuous and expensive medical care. In total, 66 rare diseases have been identified under the national policy framework.
Central Government Support
The minister indicated that the state could receive up to ₹5 crore from the central government for the procurement of medical equipment. This equipment would be installed at selected healthcare facilities, strengthening the infrastructure needed to deliver specialized care to rare disease patients across Andhra Pradesh.
The policy formulation process is now underway, with the state government working toward the 2026 target for implementation.