Costly Drug Now Free For Needy Patients With Rare Skin Disease: Doctors & NGO

Time of India

2 days ago

Nagpur: Needy patients suffering from a rare and painful skin disorder, Autoimmune Blistering Disease, can now receive the costly drug, Rituximab, free of charge, thanks to the initiative by the Pune-based foundation, AIBDF.
The announcement came during a doctors' and public awareness programme organised by the Vidarbha Dermatology Society (VDS) attended by over 200 dermatologists from across Vidarbha.
"This disease is rare but deadly, and incredibly painful. Our foundation provides Rituximab injection free of cost to needy patients so they can access the best treatment," said Dr Vikrant Saoji, a senior dermatologist.
Suratwala explains that he started AIBDF in memory of his late wife, Jayshree Suratwala, who tragically lost her life to this disease during the pandemic.
"I wanted to ensure that no one else suffers the way she did," he said.
Senior dermatologist Dr Vinit Dubey from Chandrapur sent the very first patient to AIBDF in 2023. "The patient came from a very poor family," he said, adding, "Thanks to AIBDF, my patient received the expensive medicine for free and is now doing well."
Dr Asra Khumushi, president of VDS, says the initiative is a game-changer for many underprivileged patients.
"I have several patients with autoimmune blistering diseases, and many come from low-income backgrounds. Steroids are often prescribed but have severe side effects. Rituximab is the most proven and effective drug. Thanks to this NGO, it's possible now for many poor patients to get this treatment," Dr Khumushi explains.
Dr Nitin Barde, another dermatologist, highlighted the financial relief for patients. "The entire treatment still adds up to around Rs one lakh.
The foreign version costs over Rs three lakh per dose. So, getting this drug free of cost is a huge relief for patients," he says.
Jayant Hemade, co-founder of AIBDF, and a family friend of Suratwala, said the NGO has far helped 25 patients. "Until now, the foundation was entirely funded by Suratwala. But we've recently secured CSR certification and will start accepting corporate support," Hemade said. He urged both patients and dermatologists to spread the good word.
VDS secretary Dr Priyanka Magia discussed the importance of early diagnosis. "Hundreds of dermatologists across Vidarbha are now aware of this service. I urge anyone experiencing symptoms of this disease to consult a dermatologist as soon as possible, because patients must go through specialists to avail this benefit," Dr Magia advises.
According to doctors, AIIMS Nagpur treated 70 patients with autoimmune blistering diseases in the past three years, highlighting the growing need for accessible treatment in the region.
Autoimmune Blistering Diseases (AIBDs)
* Rare but potentially life-threatening skin disorders
* Immune system mistakenly attacks skin and mucous membranes
* Causes painful blisters, sores, infections
* AIIMS Nagpur treated 70 patients in just 3 years — significant for such a rare illness
* Often treated with steroids, but these have serious side effects
* Rituximab is the most proven and effective drug
* AIBDF now provides Rituximab free of cost to needy patients
* 25 patients helped so far by the foundation