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Health
Rajasthan HC orders Central, State Governments to answer within three weeks on rare disease patients' treatment woes
✍️ Amar Ujala · Jodhpur
🗓 13 Oct 2026, 09:15 PM
👁 6
The Rajasthan High Court has directed the Union and state governments to submit a response within three weeks regarding the challenges faced by muscular dystrophy and other rare disease patients in accessing treatment and diagnostic services.
The Rajasthan High Court, sitting in Jodhpur, has taken up the grievances of patients suffering from muscular dystrophy and other rare disorders, highlighting systemic shortcomings in their access to medical care and diagnostic facilities. During the proceedings, petitioners underscored delays in diagnosis, scarcity of specialized treatment centres, and inadequate financial support, which together impede timely and effective care for this vulnerable group.
In response, the bench issued a formal directive to both the Union Health Ministry and the Rajasthan state health department, demanding a detailed reply within three weeks. The court seeks clarification on the steps already taken, pending initiatives, and any policy gaps that hinder the delivery of appropriate services to rare‑disease patients.
The High Court warned that failure to provide a satisfactory answer could lead to further judicial intervention, including the formulation of specific orders to ensure compliance with constitutional health rights. The matter underscores growing judicial scrutiny of health‑care delivery for rare conditions across India.
Stakeholders, including patient advocacy groups and medical experts, have welcomed the court's proactive stance, viewing it as an opportunity to push for stronger infrastructure, better funding mechanisms, and streamlined referral pathways for rare disease management.
The three‑week deadline sets a clear timeline for the governments to articulate concrete measures, signaling an intensified focus on addressing the unmet needs of rare‑disease patients in Rajasthan.
In response, the bench issued a formal directive to both the Union Health Ministry and the Rajasthan state health department, demanding a detailed reply within three weeks. The court seeks clarification on the steps already taken, pending initiatives, and any policy gaps that hinder the delivery of appropriate services to rare‑disease patients.
The High Court warned that failure to provide a satisfactory answer could lead to further judicial intervention, including the formulation of specific orders to ensure compliance with constitutional health rights. The matter underscores growing judicial scrutiny of health‑care delivery for rare conditions across India.
Stakeholders, including patient advocacy groups and medical experts, have welcomed the court's proactive stance, viewing it as an opportunity to push for stronger infrastructure, better funding mechanisms, and streamlined referral pathways for rare disease management.
The three‑week deadline sets a clear timeline for the governments to articulate concrete measures, signaling an intensified focus on addressing the unmet needs of rare‑disease patients in Rajasthan.