The Madhya Pradesh High Court has granted a week to AIIMS Delhi to file its reply over the alleged delay in starting the treatment of a 3-year-old girl suffering from a rare medical condition, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type-2 and is in critical condition.

Per a PTI Report, the parents had approached the High Court seeking financial assistance from the Union Government as the child is in need of a life-saving injection worth ₹9 crores.

The court had directed the Union of India, the State Government, as well as AIIMS Delhi, to discuss what benefits could be extended to the child on humanitarian grounds. The counsel appearing for AIIMS Delhi informed the court that the child was already receiving treatment from AIIMS, which is a nodal agency to provide the treatment.

In the subsequent hearing, the court noted that the parents had collected a substantial amount approximating ₹7.5 crores, including ₹50 sanctioned by the Union Government. The treatment cost will total to ₹9.5 crores. The court, therefore, directed AIIMS to file a short reply on the condition of the child and her treatment.

In the latest hearing, the counsel appearing for AIIMS sought time to file a reply. The said prayer was opposed by the parents' counsel, contending that despite the collection of a substantial amount, AIIMS has not initiated treatment.

The bench of Justice Sandeep N Bhatt stated:

"Learned counsel for the respondent no.2 prays for time to file reply. The prayer is opposed by the counsel for petitioner by submitting that substantial fund is collected. However, the respondent no.2 is not starting the treatment. Considering the urgency in the matter, reply shall be positively filed by 23.07.2026. List the matter on 27.07.2026".

Case Title: A v Union of India, WP No. 10849 of 2026