Since the ambit of the NHM is restricted to primary and secondary health care, rare diseases (which come under tertiary care) cannot be served. The Ministry is sure to have known beforehand that rare diseases cannot be treated under the NHM. The Government of National Capital Territory, Delhi had also appointed an interdisciplinary committee to look into the challenges of rare diseases. While the blood cell is a part of the NHM, a national rare disease cell should have been a part of the Ministry, as recommended. The government must understand the financial burden of rare diseases and extend help to all patients.

Source: The Hindu January 12, 2019 18:22 UTC