In the Republic of Srpska, 13.4 million KM is planned for the most modern therapies for patients with rare diseases this year, which is two million KM more than last year, announced the Health Insurance Fund of Srpska.
Source: MONDO
From this fund, they pointed out that the goal is to finance new medicines, as well as to further improve the availability of therapies for patients with rare diseases.
“Sufferers of rare diseases are exempted from paying co-payments for all services that fall under the rights of compulsory health insurance. A significant step forward has been made with modern therapies, which shows that the Fund and other institutions have recognized the importance of financing these medicines with the aim of achieving more effective treatment.” it was stated in the announcement.
U Foundation reminded that, unlike the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, these therapies have been available to patients with rare diseases in Srpska since two years ago, and since then the Fund has continuously and in accordance with its possibilities included new drugs.
This year, the Fund included in the drug program new modern drugs for patients with spinal muscular atrophy, as well as a drug for Wilson’s disease, while last year new drugs for the treatment of Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy and for the treatment of Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy were included.
From 2022, for several diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, Pompe’s disease, mucopolysaccharidosis type 2 and 4, Gaucher’s disease and others, modern therapies are provided within the drug program, at the initiative of the President of the Republic Milorad Dodik.
“We are talking about extremely expensive therapies, so about 800,000 KM are allocated annually for just one boy suffering from Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, while therapy for cystic fibrosis costs about half a million KM”. they emphasized in the Republic Fund.
From this fund, they also remind that people suffering from rare diseases have previously had access to medicines from the list of prescription medicines, as well as dietary preparations and food for special medical purposes.
Last year alone, 11 new medicines and six dietary preparations were added to the list.
“Since most medicines for rare diseases are not registered and cannot even be obtained from us, the Fund reimburses families for the costs of medicines that are on our list and that they buy abroad.” explained in the Health Insurance Fund.
On the occasion of the International Day of Rare Diseases, in addition to financing the most modern therapies available in the world, the Health Insurance Fund also finances the necessary medical equipment for those suffering from rare diseases.
A set of medical devices for patients with epidermolysis bullosa is fully financed, and the price of one set is 2,400 KM per month. This set contains more than 20 items, such as bandages, gauze, gels and other things that patients need.
The Fund said that by introducing and financing the necessary medical equipment, it is possible to prevent complications caused by infections and ensure a better quality of life for patients.
The Health Insurance Fund strives to simplify the procedures for exercising rights, in order to make it as easy as possible for those suffering from rare diseases to use health care.
“Whenever there are conditions for it, we enable the availability of therapy in the place of residence of the sick, so that they do not have to go to the University Clinical Center of Srpska just for therapy.” they stated in the Fund.
One of the novelties that was introduced last year and which represents an additional relief is that children suffering from rare diseases can receive health care up to the age of 18 at the chosen pediatrician, that is, from the age of seven they do not have to go to family doctors.
(WORLD)