Vijayawada: The Government of Andhra Pradesh has taken a significant step towards strengthening rare disease care by initiating discussions on a State Policy for Rare Diseases through a first-of-its-kind stakeholder conference. Organised by the Directorate of Medical Education (DME), Government of Andhra Pradesh, the Stakeholder Conference on Rare Disease Care and Draft Policy Consultation in Andhra Pradesh was held at Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences, Vijayawada. The conference was virtually joined by Mr Satya Kumar Yadav, Minister for Health, Medical and Family Welfare, Government of Andhra Pradesh, who reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ensuring that no rare disease patient is deprived of timely treatment or financial support due to lack of access. Offering the patient perspective, Sobha Rani Sunkara, Founder and Director, Amaravathi Rare Diseases Organization (ARDO), highlighted the continuing challenges faced by rare disease families in obtaining diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and social inclusion. She underscored the need for early diagnosis, timely genetic testing, stronger collaboration among patient organisations, healthcare professionals, researchers, industry and government, and greater public awareness to improve access to affordable diagnostics and therapies. She reaffirmed ARDO’s commitment to supporting families through awareness, education, genetic testing assistance, rehabilitation and policy advocacy.