NEW DELHI: Delhi University has approved financial assistance of up to Rs 17 crore for the treatment of the nine-month-old daughter of a School of Open Learning (SOL) teacher, diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) Type II, a rare genetic disorder.SMA affects motor neurons, leading to progressive muscle weakness. The drug that can halt the disease progression is one of the world’s most expensive medicine and is a one-time gene-therapy shot.Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh constituted a special committee to explore funding options after crowdfunding efforts and govt assistance fell far short of the estimated treatment cost. Citing the urgency of the case, the committee recommended extending financial support of up to Rs 17 crore.A crowdfunding campaign raised Rs 3.1 crore through contributions from Tata Trusts, the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, ImpactGuru, Milaap, Ketto, GoFundMe, the Teachers’ Relief Fund and the SOL Non-Teaching Staff Association.SOL director professor Payal Mago said university rules allow it to reimburse the cost of medication if it is recommended by a doctor or hospital on its panel, or by AIIMS. The initial treatment estimate has been negotiated down to around Rs 13 crore.“That estimate includes diagnostic tests and follow-up care,” Mago said. After accounting for funds already raised, she said the university’s share is expected to be around Rs 10.5 crore. Any additional money raised through crowdfunding will also be used for the child’s treatment.The university will reimburse expenses against bills submitted by the hospital, she added.The university’s committee unanimously approved the proposal. A delay in securing financial assistance could have put the child’s life at risk, the university said.