Delhi University approves Rs 17 cr in financial aid for nine-month-old girl with rare genetic disease

The University of Delhi (DU) has approved Rs 17 crore in financial aid for the treatment of a 9-month-old girl suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 2, a rare genetic disease. 

The child is the daughter of a teacher at the university’s School of Open Learning (SOL. Yogesh Singh, vice chancellor of the Delhi University, formed a special committee to prioritize the girl’s survival, and made the decision to grant Rs 17 crore in financial assistance, the official notice read.

Earlier, SOL director professor Payal Mago placed a proposal before the SOL Board of Trustees and got it approved. 

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DU VC forms panel to discuss technical aspects

SOL academic association officials Praveen Reddy, Ravi Kumar, Sumit Kumar, Rahul Dev, and Nupur Gosain have also tried to secure crowdfunding and government support, the university said. 

“Through crowdfunding, they raised Rs 3.11 crore, with significant contributions from Tata Trust, CM Relief Fund, Impact Guru, Milaap, Keeto, Gofound Me, Teacher Relief Fund, and SOL's non-academic association,” the university added.

“Through this decision, Delhi University has conveyed the message that the role of institutions is not limited to academic and administrative activities; rather, it is also their important responsibility to stand with the needy in times of humanitarian crisis with a positive outlook,” the central university said.

Delhi University VC has also formed a committee of experts to discuss various technical aspects and unanimously approve the proposal, it added.

DU registrar Vikas Gupta, south campus direct professor Rajni Abbi, and other committee members worked with coordinated efforts, sensitive approach, and their prompt action paved the way for the girl’s treatment within the stipulated timeframe, it said.