Pinarayi Vijayan steps up attack against Keralam govt. over SMA drug controversy
Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan has criticized the Kerala government over its handling of a controversy involving the distribution of generic Risdiplam for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Vijayan alleges a lack of transparency and failure to address the concerns of parents regarding the medication change.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions regarding public health policy, the use of generic versus branded drugs, and political accountability in Kerala.
Pinarayi Vijayan steps up attack against Keralam govt. over SMA drug controversy left Pinarayi Vijayan https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/9qkgrj/article71620636.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/CMRL-pay-off-caGBIGMQ7BJ.4.jpg.jpg th-online Administrator Pinarayi Vijayan Pinarayi claims the controversy arose from lapses of the Keralam government and its failure to maintain transparency at all levels; he says the government did not adequately address concerns of the parents of SMA-afflicted children Thiruvananthapuram The controversy over the distribution of the generic version of the drug Risdiplam, approved for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), at SAT Hospital and the allegations that “drugs for clinical trials” were used on children were kept alive by the Opposition in Keralam on Saturday (October 24, 2026) too. Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan sought to distance the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] from one central criticism that was levelled against the party in the midst of the raging controversy.
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