Assamese writer Sarmistha Pritam Baruah seeks government aid for medical treatment
The Hindu
She has spinal muscular atrophy, treatment of which runs into crores of rupees
An Assamese writer has sought support from the State government for treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare degenerative neuromuscular disease that requires medicines – now available in India – worth at least ₹4 crore at ₹72 lakh per annum for up to nine years.
Sarmistha Pritam Baruah, based at Phulaguri in central Assam’s Nagaon district, has also advocated a health scheme for people with SMA.
Following her appeal, Assam Health Minister Keshab Mahanta visited the wheelchair-bound Ms. Baruah at her residence on August 22. He had assured her of action after discussion with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Almaya Munnettam (Lay People to the Fore), group in the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar Church opposed to the synod-recommended Mass, rejected a circular issued by Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil and apostolic administrator Bosco Puthur on June 9 to implement the unified Mass in the archdiocese from July 3.
Pakistan coach Gary Kirsten stated that “not so great decision making” contributed to his side’s defeat to India in the Group-A T20 World Cup clash here on Sunday. The batting unit came apart in the chase, after being well placed at 72 for two. With 48 runs needed from eight overs, Pakistan found a way to panic and lose. “Maybe not so great decision making,” Kirsten said at the post-match press conference, when asked to explain the loss.