Patiala toddler Ridamveer battles rare genetic disorder; family appeals for Rs 8.5 crore lifesaving injection
PTC Web Desk: A two-year-old child named Ridamveer, hailing from Patiala, Punjab, is bravely battling a life-threatening genetic disorder called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type-1, a condition that causes progressive weakening and eventual loss of muscle control. For months, Ridamveer has been under medical care at PGIMER, Chandigarh, with his family desperately seeking support for a one-time gene therapy injection that could change his fate.
According to doctors treating him, Ridamveer’s muscles could begin to develop again with the help of a single-dose gene therapy injection, which costs approximately Rs 8.50 crore. The exorbitant price of the injection has forced the family into continuous public appeals for financial help.
Speaking to PTC News, Ridamveer’s father Bikram Singh revealed that, thanks to support from the media and public donors, the family has so far managed to raise around Rs 1 crore. However, significant challenges remain.
“In addition to the cost of the injection, we are spending on ongoing medical treatment,” he said, adding that "One of the medicines prescribed for Ridamveer costs Rs 6 lakh, and it lasts only 38 days. So far, we’ve already spent about Rs 24 lakh on this medication alone.”
Bikram Singh shared a heartbreaking detail—this is not the first time SMA has struck his family. “Our first child also suffered from the same disease and sadly passed away at just 1.5 years old. We couldn’t save him. That’s why we are doing everything we can to save Ridamveer,” he said.
“We’re knocking on every door possible, seeking help for our son. We want to give Ridamveer a healthy life and are requesting support from social workers, the general public, and the government.”
Bikram Singh also expressed disappointment with the lack of support from the Punjab Government. “We have approached various officials multiple times, including the Punjab Health Minister, MLAs, and even Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. But we haven’t received any assistance so far—not even a meeting,” he said. “We urge everyone—please help us save the light of our home,” he added.
- PTC NEWS
