Kerala State Spinal Muscular Atrophy Drug Switch Sparks Controversy

The Kerala government switched its spinal muscular atrophy treatment program from Roche's branded Risdiplam to a generic alternative called Natsmart in October.

While the generic version reduces annual costs to under ₹5 lakh per patient compared to branded prices, parents have urged a return to the original medication.

A physician sample sticker found on a dispensed bottle at SAT Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram triggered allegations regarding clinical trial drugs, which the hospital rejected.