My three-year-old son, Rudraksh, suffers from a rare condition called SMA, which spells out as Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type II. 

Doctors say he needs a life-saving drug, either Spinraza or Zolgensma, which would cost around Rs 18 crore (after taxes). This makes it one of the most expensive medical treatments on earth. 

As parents we say we will go to the moon, to great lengths for the sake of our children. But, I am a simple driver by profession. How will I ever be able to find 18 crores? Sign my petition. 

What’s adding to my stress is the fact that we don’t have much time. The medicine needs to be administered to a child within a certain age limit in order for it to be effective. Rudraksh’s treatment is getting delayed as we desperately try to raise money through donations from kind, generous strangers. So far we’ve raised 1 crore. 17 more crores feels like a faraway dream.

The harsh reality is that most patients die because the treatment is very expensive. I don't want to lose my son, that’s why I need your support. Sign my petition today.

I wondered why I have to pay so much for the drug. I found out that nearly 1/3rd of the cost is because of the heavy import duty and excise taxes on it. Surely the government doesn’t need to collect taxes on an imported drug that can save India’s children who have SMA!

Through my petition I am requesting our Union Health Minister, Dr.Harsh Vardhan, to subsidise treatment for this rare disease and waive the taxes completely. Not just for Rudraksh but for all patients with rare disease.

We need as much support as we can get on our petition to ensure that Dr. Harsh Vardhan listens to our appeals and takes action. 

SMA may be rare, but more rare is my Rudraksh. There is no one like him. Please help me save him. 

Please sign my petition and share it with at least 3 of your friends. 

Thanks in advance for your support.

#SaveRudraksh