Mangaluru: Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao Seeks ₹50 Lakh Aid for Rare‑Disease Patient
Mangaluru | July 19
In a heartfelt plea, Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has appealed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for a special grant of ₹50 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. His request came on behalf of Chandini G.D. (34), a dance teacher from Sullia, whose complex medical journey has placed an overwhelming financial burden on her humble family.
Chandini is battling a rare combination of conditions: a right atrial mass, hyper IgE syndrome with mast-cell activation, DOCK8 mutation, seizure disorder, hypothyroidism, and a hiatus hernia affecting esophageal motility. Although a modest sum of ₹1 lakh has already been sanctioned, again and again the minister underscored, the true cost of treatment will significantly exceed this amount.
In a detailed letter, Minister Rao explained that while government schemes provide limited support, Chandini’s illness is uniquely challenging—warranting extended treatment and specialised interventions. He recommended that her care continue at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health (IGICH) under the National Policy for Rare Diseases.
The minister’s intervention follows a legislative mention by MLC Ivan D’Souza in March, which first drew public attention to Chandini’s plight. Over three decades, she has endured multiple surgeries, long hospital stays, and intensive therapy—all while teaching dance from a family of limited means.
✨ Key Highlights:
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Patient: Chandini G.D., 34, dance teacher from Sullia
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Conditions: Rare and complex—cardiac growth, immune dysfunction, seizures, endocrine and digestive issues
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Requested Aid: ₹50 lakh via Chief Minister’s Relief Fund
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Recommended Care: Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, under rare disease national policy
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Background: Initial ₹1 lakh disbursement; request supported by MLC Ivan D’Souza
Minister Rao’s appeal reflects not just political responsibility, but deep compassion for a patient whose journey spans decades. He urged that Chandini’s case be treated as urgent and deserving of full financial backing—and that this be granted through the auspices of the Finance Department.