Agartala, 6th July 2026: Dr. Abir Lal Nath, Assistant Professor of Neurology at Agartala Government Medical College & GBP Hospital, has provided detailed insights into the case of a young patient diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare neurological disease that has recently drawn widespread attention on social media.
Speaking to reporters, Dr. Nath confirmed: “Hello everyone. Yes, you are absolutely right. In fact, just before speaking with you, I saw Manaswi. Basically, the patient has SMA—a name that has gone viral on social media—which stands for Spinal Muscular Atrophy; it is a neurological disease.”
The patient had been under the care of pediatricians for an extended period. After initial consultations with a local pediatrician, the family visited NIMHANS, where a comprehensive medical workup was conducted. Genetic testing subsequently confirmed the diagnosis of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
Dr. Nath emphasized that the case was not handled in isolation. Neurologists Dr. Arpan Mitra and Dr. Supriya Jamatia, neurosurgeon Dr. Reddy, and pediatrician Dr. Sanjib Debbarma were all involved in the process. The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department also provided input to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
The patient is currently receiving Risdiplam, a medication that the family has been able to afford. Meanwhile, a crowdfunding campaign is underway to raise funds for Onasemnogene Abeparvovec, an advanced but extremely costly gene therapy.
Dr. Nath clarified that no final decision has yet been taken: “Since this case has garnered significant media attention and involves multiple departments, we believe the best course of action is to present all relevant documents to the Principal. After consulting with the Principal—and potentially the Chief Minister, the Health Secretary, and others—a final decision will be made on whether to proceed with treatment here or transfer the patient to a higher-level center.”
He concluded: “After all, whenever we administer medication or provide treatment, we aim for a positive outcome. We want the best possible result for the patient; we want the outcome to be achieved in the best possible setting and under the best possible circumstances, so that the patient can go on to lead a good life.”
