The Supreme Court on Friday sought response from the Centre, AIIMS and all the states on the petition of 251 children suffering from muscular dystrophy. The petition seeks relief including a direction to launch a national program for awareness and treatment of the disease.

Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disease. In this the muscles gradually become weak. Many patients become unable to walk. The petition states that medicines for the treatment of muscular dystrophy should be made available free of cost. Trials for gene therapy should also be started.

A division bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice JB Pardiwala took note of the arguments of lawyer Utsav Singh Bains and issued notices to the Center and others on the petition. The petition said that a standard policy or scheme should be made to issue unique ID cards to the patients of this disease so that they can avail free treatment in government and private hospitals.

Advocate Utsav Singh Bains, who appeared for the petitioners said over 200 parents of children afflicted with muscular dystrophy -- contended that there was no provision for financial assistance to the patients put under category two and three of the the disease, though those falling under category one get Rs 50 lakh as relief.

The bench decided to examine the matter and directed Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati to assist the court.

The petitioners said the cost of the treatment of the disease is very high but depending on the type and advancement of the disease, the cost of the treatment can vary widely. 

"Procedures like tracheostomy and ventilation are more expensive. Though in the initial stages, only medication and physical therapy are required. However, in advanced cases, genetic therapy is necessary, they said.

The petition also seeks to formulate a policy to allow free prenatal testing for pregnant women to prevent the birth of children with muscular dystrophy and to set up gene therapy centers in every state capital and union territories.