Ujjain Kashi SMA Type-1: Doctor Family Seeks ₹15 Crore Injection Aid

Five-month-old Kashi Dubey Puriya from Ujjain, daughter of a doctor couple, has been diagnosed with rare Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type-1, mirroring the plight of Indore’s Anika. Her parents have appealed to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav for help to arrange the ₹15 crore gene therapy injection unavailable in India.

Symptoms Emerge Early

Kashi was born on November 14, 2025. Within weeks, her parents noticed she lacked normal movement in her limbs. Initial physiotherapy brought no relief, prompting the family to seek specialised care in Bhopal.

Diagnosis at AIIMS Bhopal

Doctors at AIIMS Bhopal clinically suspected SMA Type-1. Blood tests later confirmed the genetic disorder. The infant is now under the supervision of Dr Bhavna Digre, Head of the Medicine Department, where supportive medicines have been started.

Gene Therapy Only Option

Medical experts have indicated that gene therapy remains the sole effective treatment for SMA Type-1. Without it, the condition progressively weakens muscles and can become life-threatening. The family has been told that timely intervention is critical.

Injection Costs ₹15 Crore

The required Zolgensma injection must be imported from abroad. It costs around ₹15 crore and is not yet available in India. The doctor parents, already stretched financially, say the sum is beyond their reach.

Fundraiser Raises 30 Lakh

Dr Rohit Dubey Puriya, a senior resident in the Medicine Department at AIIMS Bhopal, and Dr Prakriti, a gynaecologist who has paused her work at Hamidia Hospital to care for her daughter, have launched an online fundraiser. A charity event also helped. So far, they have collected nearly ₹30 lakh.

Appeal to Chief Minister

The family has directly approached Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav for assistance. They have also urged social organisations, well-wishers and the public to step forward. Sources close to the family said every day counts as the baby’s condition could deteriorate rapidly.

Race Against Time

Grandparents have joined the appeal, describing sleepless nights watching their granddaughter’s struggle. The family stresses that SMA Type-1 leaves little margin for delay. They continue to explore every possible avenue while keeping treatment ongoing at AIIMS Bhopal.

This Ujjain Kashi SMA Type-1 case has once again drawn attention to the challenges families face in accessing advanced therapies for rare diseases in India. Public response and government support could make the difference between hope and despair for the infant.